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Belden C, Kopak A, Coules C, Friesen T, Hall J, Shukla S. Building bridges to outpatient treatment services for post-overdose care via paramedic buprenorphine field initiation. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 162:209364. [PMID: 38626851 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite sustained efforts to reduce opioid-related overdose fatalities, rates have continued to rise. In many areas, overdose response involves emergency medical service (EMS) personnel administering naloxone and transporting patients to the emergency department (ED). However, a substantial number of patients decline transport, and many EDs do not provide medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). One approach to filling this gap involves delivering MOUD to overdose patients in the field with trained post-overdose EMS teams who can initiate buprenorphine. In this MOUD field initiation pilot program, a trained EMS Community Paramedicine team initiates buprenorphine in the field and links patients to care. The program includes three pathways to treatment with the first designed for EMS to initiate buprenorphine after overdose reversal when the patient is in withdrawal from naloxone; a second pathway initiates buprenorphine after overdose when the patient is not in withdrawal; and a third enables self-referral via a connection to the community EMS team not necessarily related to a recent overdose. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the MOUD field initiation pilot program. Data are from 28 patients who entered care immediately post-overdose initiation of buprenorphine, 21 patients who initiated on buprenorphine while not in naloxone withdrawal, and 37 patients who self-referred to treatment following outreach efforts by paramedicine and peer support professionals. RESULTS A total of 118 patients initiated buprenorphine during the 12-month study period and 104 (83 %) visited the clinic for their first appointment. Over two thirds (68 %, n = 80) remained engaged in care after 30 days. Retained patients tended to be male, white, uninsured, food insecure, have unstable housing, lack reliable transportation, and report prior involvement with the criminal legal system. CONCLUSION The initial 12-month period of the pilot program demonstrated the feasibility of initiating buprenorphine at the site of overdose without requiring transport to the ED and offer self-referral pathways for people experiencing barriers to treatment. Specialized EMS can play a critical role in expanding access to MOUD treatment by bridging the gap between overdose and comprehensive community-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Belden
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA.
| | - Albert Kopak
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA.
| | - Courtney Coules
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA.
| | - Tessa Friesen
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA.
| | - Justin Hall
- Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services, 164 Erwin Hills Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, USA.
| | - Shuchin Shukla
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
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Bharmal M, DiGrande K, Patel A, Shavelle DM, Bosson N. Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Cardiac Arrest and Emergency Care. Cardiol Clin 2024; 42:307-316. [PMID: 38631797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient survival and neurologic outcome after both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest were reduced. Direct effects of the COVID-19 illness combined with indirect effects of the pandemic on patient's behavior and health care systems contributed to these changes. Understanding the potential factors offers the opportunity to improve future response and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtaza Bharmal
- Department of Cardiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 510 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kyle DiGrande
- Department of Cardiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 510 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Akash Patel
- Department of Cardiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 510 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David M Shavelle
- MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute, Long Beach Medical Center, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA
| | - Nichole Bosson
- Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency, 10100 Pioneer Boulevard Ste 200, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA, 90509, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Burton E, Quinn R, Crosbie-Staunton K, Deasy C, Masterson S, O'Donnell C, Merwick Á, Willis D, Kearney PM, Mc Carthy VJC, Buckley CM. Temporal trends of ambulance time intervals for suspected stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland: a quasi-experimental study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078168. [PMID: 38508613 PMCID: PMC10961584 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Time is a fundamental component of acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) care, thus minimising prehospital delays is a crucial part of the stroke chain of survival. COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in Ireland in response to the pandemic, which resulted in major societal changes. However, current research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital care for stroke/TIA is limited to early COVID-19 waves. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on ambulance time intervals and suspected stroke/TIA call volume for adults with suspected stroke and TIA in Ireland, from 2018 to 2021. DESIGN We conducted a secondary data analysis with a quasi-experimental design. SETTING We used data from the National Ambulance Service in Ireland. We defined the COVID-19 period as '1 March 2020-31 December 2021' and the pre-COVID-19 period '1 January 2018-29 February 2020'. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We compared five ambulance time intervals: 'allocation performance', 'mobilisation performance', 'response time', 'on scene time' and 'conveyance time' between the two periods using descriptive and regression analyses. We also compared call volume for suspected stroke/TIA between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods using interrupted time series analysis. PARTICIPANTS We included all suspected stroke/TIA cases ≥18 years who called the National Ambulance Service from 2018 to 2021. RESULTS 40 004 cases were included: 19 826 in the pre-COVID-19 period and 19 731 in the COVID-19 period. All ambulance time intervals increased during the pandemic period compared with pre-COVID-19 (p<0.001). Call volume increased during the COVID-19-period compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS A 'shock' like a pandemic has a negative impact on the prehospital phase of care for time-sensitive conditions like stroke/TIA. System evaluation and public awareness campaigns are required to ensure maintenance of prehospital stroke pathways amidst future healthcare crises. Thus, this research is relevant to routine and extraordinary prehospital service planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel Burton
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rory Quinn
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Conor Deasy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Masterson
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Discipline of General Practice, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Cathal O'Donnell
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Áine Merwick
- Neurology Department, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - David Willis
- National Ambulance Service, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
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Gibbons AB, Huang P, Sklar M, Kim P, Henderson AD. Evaluation of a STAT MRI Protocol for Emergent Ophthalmology Patients. J Neuroophthalmol 2023:00041327-990000000-00521. [PMID: 38051953 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating patients with potentially sight-threatening conditions frequently involves urgent neuroimaging, and some providers recommend expediting emergency department (ED) evaluation. However, several factors may limit the practicality of ED evaluation. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and safety of a STAT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol, designed to facilitate outpatient MRI within 48 hours of referral, compared with ED evaluation for patients with optic disc edema. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed. Demographics, clinical data, and baseline ophthalmic measures were compared between patients in STAT and ED groups using the t test or Fisher exact test. Multivariate analyses compared changes in visual acuity (VA), visual field mean deviation (VF MD), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and edema grade between presentation and follow-up using a mixed-effects model adjusting for age, sex, and baseline measures. RESULTS A total of 70 patients met the study criteria-24 (34.3%) in the STAT MRI cohort and 46 (65.7%) in the ED cohort. Demographic variables were similar between groups. Patients referred to the ED had worse VA ( P < 0.001), larger VF MD ( P < 0.001), and higher edema grade ( P = 0.002) at presentation. Four patients in the ED group and none in the STAT group were found to have space-occupying lesions. Multivariate analyses showed that follow-up measures were significantly associated with their baseline values (all P < 0.001) but not with referral protocol (all P > 0.099). The STAT MRI protocol was associated with lower average patient charges and hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS The STAT MRI protocol did not result in inferior visual outcomes or delay in life-threatening diagnoses. Urgent outpatient evaluation, rather than ED referral, seems safe for some patients with optic disc edema. These findings support continued utilization of the protocol and ongoing improvement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison B Gibbons
- Wilmer Eye Institute (ABG, MS, PK, ADH), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology (PH), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and Department of Ophthalmology (PK), University of San Diego Health, San Diego, California
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Allgood KL, Whittington B, Xie Y, Hirschtick JL, Ro A, Orellana RC, Fleischer NL. Social vulnerability and new mobility disability among adults with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed SARS-CoV-2: Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study. Prev Med 2023; 177:107719. [PMID: 37788721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the relationship between social factors and persistent COVID-19 health outcomes, such as onset of a disability after a SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) infection, is an increasingly important public health issue. The purpose of this paper is to examine associations between social vulnerability and new onset of a mobility disability post-COVID-19 diagnosis. METHODS We used data from the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study, a population-based probability survey of adults with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in Michigan between January 2020-May 2022 (n = 4295). We used the Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index (MHSVI), with high county-level social vulnerability defined at or above the 75th percentile. Mobility disability was defined as new difficulty walking or climbing stairs. We regressed mobility disability on the overall MHSVI, as well as sub-themes of the index (socioeconomic status, household composition/disability, minority and language, housing type, healthcare access, and medical vulnerability), using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age, race, sex, education, employment, and income. RESULTS Living in a county with high (vs. low) social vulnerability was associated with 1.38 times higher odds (95% confidence interval [CI]:1.18-1.61) of reporting a new mobility disability after a COVID-19 diagnosis after adjustment. Similar results were observed for the socioeconomic status and household composition/disability sub-themes. In contrast, residents of highly racially diverse counties had lower odds (odds ratio 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.89) of reporting a new mobility disability compared to low diversity counties. CONCLUSIONS Mitigating the effects of social vulnerabilities requires additional resources and attention to support affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi L Allgood
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health. 1415 Washington Heights, 2649A, SPH Tower, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Texas A&M University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, USA.
| | - Blair Whittington
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health. 1415 Washington Heights, 2649A, SPH Tower, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yanmei Xie
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health. 1415 Washington Heights, 2649A, SPH Tower, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jana L Hirschtick
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health. 1415 Washington Heights, 2649A, SPH Tower, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Annie Ro
- University of California - Irvine, Department of Health, Society, & Behavior. UCI Health Sciences Complex, 856 Health Sciences Quad, Suite 3600, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Robert C Orellana
- CDC Foundation, 600 Peachtree St NE #1000, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA; Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 333 S Grand Ave, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, MI 48933, USA
| | - Nancy L Fleischer
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health. 1415 Washington Heights, 2649A, SPH Tower, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Bosson N, Toy J, Chang A, Haase D, Kipust A, Korotzer L, Warren J, Kim YS, Kazan C, Gausche-Hill M. Short-Term Outcomes and Patient Perceptions after Paramedic Non-Transport during the COVID-19 Pandemic. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2023; 28:418-424. [PMID: 37078829 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2023.2205512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND EMS frequently encounter patients who decline transport, yet there are little data to inform the safety of patient and/or paramedic-initiated assess, treat, and refer (ATR) protocols. We determined patient decision-making and short-term outcomes after non-transport by EMS during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This was a prospective, observational study of a random sample of patients evaluated and not transported by EMS from August 2020 to March 2021. From the EMS database, we randomly selected a daily sample of adult patients with disposition of ATR. We excluded patients dispositioned against medical advice (AMA) and those in police custody. Investigators contacted patients by phone to administer a standardized survey regarding decision-making, symptom progression, follow-up care, and satisfaction with non-transport decision. We also determined the proportion of patients who re-contacted 9-1-1 within 72 h, and unexpected deaths within 72 h using coroner data. Descriptive statistics were calculated. RESULTS Of 4613 non-transported patients, 3330 (72%) patients for whom the disposition was ATR were included. Patients were 46% male with a median age of 49 (inter-quartile range (IQR) 31-67). Median vital signs measurements fell within the normal range. Investigators successfully contacted 584/3330 patients (18%). The most common reason for failure was lack of accurate phone number. The most common reasons patients reported for not going to the ED on initial encounter were: felt reassured after the paramedic assessment (151/584, 26%), medical complaint resolved (113/584, 19%), paramedic suggested transport was not required (73/584, 13%), concern for COVID-19 exposure (57/584, 10%), and initial concern was not medical (46/584, 8%). Ninety-five percent (552/584) were satisfied with the non-transport decision and 49% (284/584) had sought follow-up care. The majority (501/584, 86%) reported equal, improved, or resolved symptoms, while 80 patients (13%) reported worse symptoms, of whom (64/80, 80%) remained satisfied with the non-transport decision. Overall, there were 154 of 3330 (4.6%) 9-1-1 recontacts within 72 h. Based on coroner data, three unexpected deaths (0.09%) occurred within 72 h of the initial EMS calls. CONCLUSION Paramedic disposition by ATR protocols resulted in a low rate of 9-1-1 recontact. Unexpected deaths were extremely rare. Patient satisfaction with the non-transport decision was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Bosson
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Santa Fe Springs, California
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jake Toy
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
| | - Allen Chang
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Santa Fe Springs, California
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
| | - David Haase
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Adam Kipust
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Jonathan Warren
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
| | - Yun Son Kim
- Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, California
| | - Clayton Kazan
- Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marianne Gausche-Hill
- Los Angeles County EMS Agency, Santa Fe Springs, California
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine and the Lundquist Institute for Research, Torrance, California
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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Bharmal M, DiGrande K, Patel A, Shavelle DM, Bosson N. Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Cardiac Arrest and Emergency Care. Heart Fail Clin 2023; 19:231-240. [PMID: 36863815 PMCID: PMC9973546 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Patient survival and neurologic outcome after both out-of-hospital and in-hospital cardiac arrest were reduced. Direct effects of the COVID-19 illness combined with indirect effects of the pandemic on patient's behavior and health care systems contributed to these changes. Understanding the potential factors offers the opportunity to improve future response and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtaza Bharmal
- Department of Cardiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 510 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kyle DiGrande
- Department of Cardiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 510 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Akash Patel
- Department of Cardiology, University of California Irvine Medical Center, 510 E Peltason Drive, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - David M Shavelle
- MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute, Long Beach Medical Center, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA
| | - Nichole Bosson
- Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency, 10100 Pioneer Boulevard Ste 200, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA, 90509, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Mathew S, Harrison N, Ajimal S, Silvagi R, Reece R, Klausner H, Levy P, Dunne R, O'Neil B. Treatment and outcome variation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among four urban hospitals in Detroit. Resuscitation 2023; 185:109731. [PMID: 36775019 PMCID: PMC10696655 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2023.109731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine whether out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) post-resuscitation management and outcomes differ between four Detroit hospitals. INTRODUCTION Significant variation exists in treatment/outcomes from OHCA. Disparities between hospitals serving a similar population is not well known. METHODS Retrospective OHCA data was collected from the Detroit-Cardiac Arrest Registry (DCAR) between January 2014 to December 2019. Four hospitals were compared on two treatments (angiography, do not resuscitate (DNR)) and two outcomes (cerebral performance category (CPC) ≤ 2, in-hospital death). Models for death and CPC were tested with and without coronary angiography and DNR status. RESULTS 999 patients at hospitals A - D differed (p < 0.05) before multivariable adjustment by age, race, witnessed arrest, dispatch-emergency department (ED) time, TTM, coronary angiography, DNR order, and in-hospital death. Rates of death and CPC ≤ 2 were worse in Hospital A (82.8%, 10%, respectively) compared to others (69.1%, 14.1%). After multivariable adjustment, Hospital A performed angiography less compared to B (OR = 0.17) and was more likely to initiate new DNR status than B (OR = 2.9), C (OR = 16.1), or D (OR = 3.6). CPC ≤ 2 were worse in Hospital A compared to B (OR = 0.27) and D (OR = 0.35). After sensitivity analysis, CPC ≤ 2 odds did not differ for A versus B (OR = 0.58, adjusted for angiography) or D (OR = 0.65, adjusted for DNR). Odds of death, despite angiography and DNR differences, were worse in Hospital A compared to B (OR = 1.87) and D (OR = 1.81). CONCLUSION Differing rates of DNR and coronary angiography was associated with observed disparities in favorable neurologic outcome, but not death, between four Detroit hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobi Mathew
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Nicholas Harrison
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Sukhwindar Ajimal
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Ryan Silvagi
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Ryan Reece
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Howard Klausner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
| | - Phillip Levy
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Robert Dunne
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Brian O'Neil
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Integrative Biosciences Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
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Bailey A, Harrington C, Evans EA. A scoping review of community-based post-opioid overdose intervention programs: implications of program structure and outcomes. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2023; 11:3. [PMID: 36707446 PMCID: PMC9883127 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-022-00201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An emergent intervention to address the opioid epidemic is the use of multidisciplinary outreach teams which connect an individual in the community to healthcare resources after the experience of an opioid overdose. While these interventions are receiving federal funding, less is known empirically to inform future interventions. Understanding the process and outcomes of these interventions is advisable due to the novel partnerships of public health and law enforcement agencies who sometimes hold divergent goals. The objective of the present review was to describe program structure and evaluated outcomes of community-based post-overdose interventions. RESULTS A search of PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science yielded 5 peer-reviewed articles that detail the implementation and outcomes of interventions delivered in the United States published from 2001 to July 2021. Most interventions used a multidisciplinary outreach team and referenced first responder data to contact individuals who recently experienced an overdose at their residence. Services offered often included referral to substance use treatment, recovery coaches, and social services. Method of outreach, evaluation measures, and outcomes varied. From the available literature, facilitators of program engagement included communication, information sharing, and leadership buy-in among multidisciplinary partners. CONCLUSIONS Future studies could benefit from exploration of service provision in rural areas, for family affected by overdose, and for minoritized populations. Community-based post-overdose interventions utilizing a law enforcement partnership are emergent with promising yet limited examples in empirical literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Bailey
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912 USA
| | - Calla Harrington
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Evans
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
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Shin J, Kim Y, Yoo SH, Sim JA, Keam B. Impact of COVID-19 on the End-of-Life Care of Cancer Patients Who Died in a Korean Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Study. JOURNAL OF HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE 2022; 25:150-158. [PMID: 37674665 PMCID: PMC10179996 DOI: 10.14475/jhpc.2022.25.4.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Social distancing and strict visitor restrictions at hospitals have been national policies since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This has challenged the concept of a good death in comfort with the opportunity to say goodbye. Little is known about how these measures have influenced end-of-life (EOL) care among cancer patients who die in acute care hospitals. This study examined changes in the EOL care of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 1,456 adult cancer patients who died in 2019 (n=752) and 2020 (n=704) at a tertiary hospital. Data on EOL care-symptom control and comfort care in an imminently dying state, preparation for death, place of death, and aggressive care in the last month-were reviewed. Results The 1,456 patients had a median age of 67 years, and 62.5% were men. Patients who died in 2020 were more likely to experience agitation or delirium before death (17.2% vs. 10.9%), to use inotropes/vasopressors near death (59.2% vs. 52.3%), and to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation in their last months (16.3% vs. 12.5%) than those who died in 2019. Additionally, the number of deaths in the emergency room doubled in 2020 compared to 2019 (from 7.1% to 14.1%). Conclusion This study suggests that EOL care for cancer patients who died in a tertiary hospital deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of medical care at the EOL and the preferred place of death should be discussed carefully in advance for high-quality EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmi Shin
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Ah Sim
- School of AI Convergence, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Ward CE, Singletary J, Hatcliffe RE, Colson CD, Simpson JN, Brown KM, Chamberlain JM. Emergency Medical Services Clinicians' Perspectives on Pediatric Non-Transport. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:993-1003. [PMID: 35913148 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2108180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency medical services clinicians do not transport one-third of all children assessed, even without official pediatric non-transport protocols. Little is known about how EMS clinicians and caregivers decide not to transport a child. Our objectives were to describe how EMS clinicians currently decide whether or not to transport a child and identify barriers to and enablers of successfully implementing an EMS clinician-initiated pediatric non-transport protocol. METHODS We conducted six virtual focus groups with EMS clinicians from the mid-Atlantic. A PhD trained facilitator moderated all groups using a semi-structured moderator guide. Multiple investigators independently coded a deidentified sample transcript. One team member then completed axial coding of the remaining transcripts. Thematic saturation was achieved. Clusters of similar codes were grouped into themes by consensus. RESULTS We recruited 50 participants, of whom 70% were paramedics and 28% emergency medical technicians. There was agreement that caregivers often use 9-1-1 for low acuity complaints. Participants stated that non-transport usually occurs after shared decision-making between EMS clinicians and caregivers; EMS clinicians advise whether transport is necessary, but caregivers are responsible for making the final decision and signing refusal documentation. Subthemes for how non-transport decisions were made included the presence of agency protocols, caregiver preferences, absence of a guardian on the scene, EMS clinician variability, and distance to the nearest ED. Participants identified the following features that would enable successful implementation of an EMS clinician-initiated non-transport process: a user-friendly interface, clear protocol endpoints, the inclusion of vital sign parameters, resources to leave with caregivers, and optional direct medical oversight. CONCLUSIONS EMS clinicians in our study agreed that non-transport is currently a caregiver decision, but noted a collaborative process of shared decision-making where EMS clinicians advise caregivers whether transport is indicated. Further research is needed to understand the safety of this practice. This study suggests there may be a need for EMS-initiated alternative disposition/non-transport protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb E Ward
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Judith Singletary
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rachel E Hatcliffe
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Cindy D Colson
- Division of Trauma & Burn Surgery, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Joelle N Simpson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Kathleen M Brown
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - James M Chamberlain
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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12
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Arnetz BB, Goetz C, vanSchagen J, Baer W, Smith S, Arnetz JE. Patient-reported factors associated with avoidance of in-person care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a national survey. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272609. [PMID: 35930581 PMCID: PMC9355185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been a substantial decline in in-person care in inpatient and outpatient settings during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Avoidance of needed in-person care may contribute to an avoidable decline in patient health and an increase in mortality. While several systems and behavioral theories have been put forward to explain the decline, there is a lack of studies informed by patients’ own experiences. The current study applied a socio-ecological model encompassing patient, environmental, and institutional-related variables to examine patient-reported factors associated with avoidance of in-person care. Methods Between October and December 2020, a total of 3840 persons responded to a nationwide online questionnaire that was administered using ResearchMatch and Facebook. Self-reported avoidance of in-person care among those who needed it was the main outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with avoidance of needed care. Findings Out of a total of 3372 respondents who reported that they needed in-person care during the early phase of the pandemic, 257 (7.6%) avoided it. Patient-related variables associated with avoiding needed care included younger age (odds ratio (OR), 1.46, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.94, p<0.01; <45 y/o vs 45+), inability to afford care (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.34, p<0.01), and greater COVID-related stress (OR = 1.36, CI 1.01 to 1.83, p<0.05). More frequent discussions about COVID with family and friends was the only significant environment-related avoidance of care variable (OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.01–1.91, p < .05). Institution-related care avoidance variables included a negative patient healthcare experience rating (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.42, p<0.001), poor awareness of the institution’s safety protocol (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.51, p<0.01), and low ratings of the institution’s effectiveness in communicating their safety protocol (OR = 3.45, 95% CI 1.94 to 6.12, p<0.001). The final model predicted 11.9% of the variance in care avoidance. Conclusions These results suggest that care avoidance of in-person care during the initial phase of the pandemic was influenced by a patient’s demographics as well as environmental and healthcare institutional factors. Patients’ previous experiences and their awareness of healthcare systems’ safety protocols are important factors in care avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bengt B. Arnetz
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Courtney Goetz
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - John vanSchagen
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
- Trinity Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - William Baer
- Trinity Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Stacy Smith
- Trinity Health Saint Mary’s, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Judith E. Arnetz
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States of America
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13
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Ryu MY, Park HA, Han S, Park HJ, Lee CA. Emergency Transport Refusal during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148444. [PMID: 35886295 PMCID: PMC9323224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the changes in patients’ clinical characteristics and transport refusal pre- and post-COVID-19 and identified the reasons for transport refusal using emergency medical services run sheet data from pre-COVID-19 (April−December 2019) and post-COVID-19 (April−December 2020) in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. We included patients aged ≥18 years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between patients’ personal factors and clinical characteristics and emergency transport refusal. During the control and study periods, 612,681 cases were reported; the transport refusal rates during the control and study periods were 6.7% and 8.2%, respectively. Emergency transport refusal was associated with younger age, the male sex, a normal mental status, a shock index < 1, and trauma in both the pre- and post-COVID-19 periods. Although fever prevented transport refusal during the pre-COVID-19 period (aOR, 0.620; 95% CI, 0.567−0.679), it became a significant risk factor for transport refusal during the post-COVID-19 period (aOR, 1.619; 95% CI, 1.534−1.709). The most common reason for transport refusal by critically ill patients was “because it was not accepted within the jurisdiction and remote transport was required.” It is necessary to expand the response capacity of patients with fever in the community to reduce the refusal of transport by critically ill patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Young Ryu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hallym University, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si 18450, Korea; (M.Y.R.); (H.A.P.); (H.J.P.)
| | - Hang A. Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hallym University, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si 18450, Korea; (M.Y.R.); (H.A.P.); (H.J.P.)
| | - Sangsoo Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon 14584, Korea;
| | - Hye Ji Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hallym University, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si 18450, Korea; (M.Y.R.); (H.A.P.); (H.J.P.)
| | - Choung Ah Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hallym University, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7 Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si 18450, Korea; (M.Y.R.); (H.A.P.); (H.J.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-8086-2611
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14
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Hurand V, Ducloyer J, Baudin F, Aho S, Weber M, Kodjikian L, Devin F, Gabrielle P, Creuzot‐Garcher C, Massin P. IMPACT study: Impact of adherence to anti-VEGF intravitreal injections for macular disease during COVID 19-related confinement in France. Acta Ophthalmol 2022; 101:91-99. [PMID: 35765939 PMCID: PMC9350166 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of adherence to French coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19)-related guidelines for intravitreal injection (IVI) practice on the visual outcomes of patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents for macular diseases during the first lockdown period. METHODS Observational multicentre study including all patients from 18 centres with an IVI initially planned during the lockdown. Visual acuity (VA, ETDRS) was recorded at 1 and 4 months after lockdown. French COVID 19-related guidelines recommended maintaining IVI practice. We defined three groups of patients: A, adherent to guidelines; NA+, non-adherent with delayed IVIs; and NA-, non-adherent without IVIs performed during the lockdown. Risk factors for non-adherence and visual loss were studied. RESULTS A total of 3020 eyes of 3020 patients, aged 77.8 ± 11.6 years, 59.8% women, were included. 59.3% were non-adherent(46.7% NA+, 12.6% NA-). A smaller decrease in VA at 4 months was observed in the A group than the NA+ and NA- group (-0.2 ± 6.7, -0.3 ± 6.9 and -1.5 ± 6.9, respectively [p < 0.001]). Factors associated with non-adherence were in multivariable analysis, older age, hospital practice, low-density population areas, high viral incidence areas, longer intervals between injection and treat and extent protocol. Factors associated with visual loss at 4 months in multivariable analysis were, being in the NA- group, older age, T&E and fixed regimens. CONCLUSION Strict adherence to guidelines was associated with better visual outcome, although most of our patients did not attend as planned. Identification of patients at risk could help in the future in case of a new pandemic lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Florian Baudin
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity HospitalDijonFrance,Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Cerebro‐Cardiovascular Diseases (PEC2)University HospitalDijonFrance
| | - Serge Aho
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity HospitalDijonFrance
| | - Michel Weber
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity HospitalNantesFrance
| | - Laurent Kodjikian
- Department of OphthalmologyCroix Rousse University HospitalLyon 4France
| | - François Devin
- Center of Ophthalmology Monticelli ParadisMarseilleFrance
| | - Pierre‐Henry Gabrielle
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity HospitalDijonFrance,Eye and Nutrition Research GroupGSGA, INRAeBurgundy, DijonFrance
| | - Catherine Creuzot‐Garcher
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity HospitalDijonFrance,Eye and Nutrition Research GroupGSGA, INRAeBurgundy, DijonFrance
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15
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Kim JS, Lee SY, Lee MS, Yoo SH, Shin J, Choi W, Kim Y, Han HS, Hong J, Keam B, Heo DS. Aggressiveness of care in the last days of life in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Korea. Palliat Care 2022; 21:105. [PMID: 35668487 PMCID: PMC9170493 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-quality end-of-life (EOL) care requires both comfort care and the maintenance of dignity. However, delivering EOL in the emergency department (ED) is often challenging. Therefore, we aimed to investigate characteristics of EOL care for dying patients in the ED. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who died of disease in the ED at a tertiary hospital in Korea between January 2018 and December 2020. We examined medical care within the last 24 h of life and advance care planning (ACP) status. Results Of all 222 disease-related mortalities, 140 (63.1%) were men, while 141 (63.5%) had cancer. The median age was 74 years. As for critical care, 61 (27.5%) patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while 80 (36.0%) received mechanical ventilation. The absence of serious illness (p = 0.011) and the lack of an advance statement (p < 0.001) were both independently associated with the receipt of more critical care. Only 70 (31.5%) patients received comfort care through opioids. Younger patients (< 75 years) (p = 0.002) and those who completed life-sustaining treatment legal forms (p = 0.001) received more comfort care. While EOL discussions were initiated in 150 (67.6%) cases, the palliative care team was involved only in 29 (13.1%). Conclusions Patients in the ED underwent more aggressive care and less comfort care in a state of imminent death. To ensure better EOL care, physicians should minimize redundant evaluations and promptly introduce ACP. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00988-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Sun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Sung Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Hye Yoo
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
| | - Jeongmi Shin
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Wonho Choi
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Yejin Kim
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Hyung Sook Han
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Jinui Hong
- Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Center for Palliative Care and Clinical Ethics, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center, National Evidence-Based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, Seoul, Korea
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16
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Liu M, Richard L, Campitelli MA, Nisenbaum R, Dosani N, Dhalla IA, Wadhera RK, Shariff SZ, Hwang SW. Drug Overdoses During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Recently Homeless Individuals. Addiction 2022; 117:1692-1701. [PMID: 35129239 PMCID: PMC9111216 DOI: 10.1111/add.15823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine how weekly rates of emergency department (ED) visits for drug overdoses changed among individuals with a recent history of homelessness (IRHH) and their housed counterparts during the pre-pandemic, peak, and re-opening periods of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, using corresponding weeks in 2019 as a historical control. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study conducted between September 30, 2018 and September 26, 2020. SETTING Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS A total of 38 617 IRHH, 15 022 369 housed individuals, and 186 858 low-income housed individuals matched on age, sex, rurality, and comorbidity burden. MEASUREMENTS ED visits for drug overdoses of accidental and undetermined intent. FINDINGS Average rates of ED visits for drug overdoses between January and September 2020 were higher among IRHH compared with housed individuals (rate ratio [RR], 148.0; 95% CI, 142.7-153.5) and matched housed individuals (RR, 22.3; 95% CI, 20.7-24.0). ED visits for drug overdoses decreased across all groups by ~20% during the peak period (March 17 to June 16, 2020) compared with corresponding weeks in 2019. During the re-opening period (June 17 to September 26, 2020), rates of ED visits for drug overdoses were significantly higher among IRHH (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.44-1.69), matched housed individuals (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.08-1.46), and housed individuals relative to equivalent weeks in 2019 (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11). The relative increase in drug overdose ED visits among IRHH was larger compared with both matched housed individuals (P = 0.01 for interaction between group and year) and housed individuals (P < 0.001) during this period. CONCLUSIONS Recently homeless individuals in Ontario, Canada experienced disproportionate increases in ED visits for drug overdoses during the re-opening period of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with housed people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Liu
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA,MAP Centre for Urban Health SolutionsLi Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoCanada,ICES CentralTorontoCanada
| | | | | | - Rosane Nisenbaum
- MAP Centre for Urban Health SolutionsLi Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoCanada,Division of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Naheed Dosani
- Division of Palliative CareMcMaster UniversityHamiltonCanada
| | - Irfan A. Dhalla
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Rishi K. Wadhera
- Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes ResearchBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMAUSA
| | | | - Stephen W. Hwang
- MAP Centre for Urban Health SolutionsLi Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's HospitalTorontoCanada,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada,Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of MedicineUniversity of TorontoTorontoCanada
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17
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Couturier K, Nelson AR, Burns K, Cone DC, Rollins M, Venkatesh AK, Ulrich A, Shapiro M, Joseph D. EMS Non-Transport of Low-Risk COVID-19 Patients. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:310-314. [PMID: 35639643 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2083278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 infections in the community have the potential to overwhelm both prehospital and in-hospital resources. Transport of well-appearing patients, in the absence of available emergency department treatment capacity, increases strain on the hospital and EMS system. In May of 2020, the Connecticut Office of EMS issued a voluntary, EMS-initiated, non-transport protocol for selected low-risk patients with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. We evaluated the implementation of this non-transport protocol in a mixed urban/suburban EMS system. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of contemporaneously recorded quality improvement documentation for uses of the Connecticut COVID-19 non-transport protocol by EMS clinicians within our EMS system during two implementations: from 12/14/2020 to 5/1/21, and again from 1/3/22 to 2/18/22, which coincided with large COVID-19 case surges in our region. RESULTS The vast majority of patients treated under the non-transport protocol were not re-evaluated by EMS or in our emergency departments in the subsequent 24 hours. There was reasonable adherence to the protocol, with 83% of cases appropriate for the non-transport protocol. The most common reasons for protocol violations were age outside of protocol scope (pediatric patients), failure of documentation, or vital signs outside of the established protocol parameters. We did not find an increased 24-hour ED visit rate in patients who were inappropriately triaged to the protocol. Of patients who had ED visits within 24 hours, only two were admitted, none to higher levels of care. CONCLUSION Within this small study, EMS clinicians in our system were able to safely and accurately apply a non-transport protocol for patients presenting with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. This is consistent with previous literature suggesting that EMS-initiated non-transport is a viable strategy to reduce the burden on health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Couturier
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexander R Nelson
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kevin Burns
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David C Cone
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mark Rollins
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Arjun K Venkatesh
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew Ulrich
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew Shapiro
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel Joseph
- From the Section of EMS, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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18
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Park SY, Kim SH. How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Use of Emergency Medical Services by Patients Experiencing Mental Health Crises? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040716. [PMID: 35455893 PMCID: PMC9024638 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting social restrictions have significant implications for mental health. The objective of this study was to determine the monthly trends and types of patients experiencing a mental health crisis (MHC) who used emergency medical services (EMSs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective observational study was conducted using EMS data. During the study period, 8577 patients used EMSs for MHCs. EMS dispatches for MHCs and suicide completion after the COVID-19 pandemic were decreased by 12.4% and 12.7%, respectively, compared to those before the COVID-19 pandemic. Segmented regression analysis found that the number of patients per month was 6.79 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number decreased to 4.52 patients per month during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the decrease was not statistically significant. The monthly number of patients experiencing an MHC decreased during strict social distancing measures but increased during relaxed social distancing measures. The percentage of hanging increased from 14.20% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 14.30% (p = 0.03) during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the percentages of jumping (from 15.55% to 15.28%, p = 0.01) and self-harm by smoke (from 4.59% to 3.84%, p < 0.001) during the COVID-19 pandemic were decreased compared to those before COVID-19. However, the effect size for the above findings was small (below 0.20). More than 25% of the patients experiencing an MHC who used EMSs refused to transfer to the ED over both study periods (26.49% in the pre-COVID-19 period and 28.53% in the COVID-19 period). The COVID-19 pandemic and social restrictions seemed to have some effects on the use of EMSs by MHC patients. Hanging is mainly performed indoors and is not found easily if social distancing persists, and a patient experiencing an MHC who refuses to be transferred could potentially attempt suicide. Subsequent studies should be performed to determine whether these findings are temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic or whether they will show different aspects after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yi Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Dong-A University Hospital, Busan 48114, Korea;
| | - Sun-Hyu Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan 44033, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-52-250-8405; Fax: +82-52-250-8071
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19
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At-risk COVID-19 Patients; Knowledge and Attitude of Those in Need of Transfer to Hospital and Consequences in Non-transferred Patients. HEALTH SCOPE 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope-119063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of people, especially high-risk ones, are essential for managing COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that inappropriate knowledge and attitude may influence people's decisions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of patients towards COVID-19 who called emergency medical service (EMS) while suffering from a chronic underlying disease, whether they were transferred to the hospital during the pandemic or not. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from 21 May 2020 to 20 June 2020 in Tehran, Iran. Using the registered data in the databank of the Tehran EMS center, eligible participants were selected and divided into transferred and non-transferred groups based on the recorded data. A valid and reliable questionnaire comprising four parts (demographic information, patients' knowledge about COVID-19, patients' attitude towards COVID-19, and patients' fear) was used. A researcher-made checklist was also used for recording the consequences and reasons for refusal. Select eligible individuals who agreed to enter the survey were interviewed by telephone. Results: Totally, 201 transferred patients and 158 non-transferred patients were enrolled. The mean age of the transferred group was lower than that of the non-transferred one (57.1 ± 16.1 vs. 62.0 ± 17.4 years; P = 0.006). The mean knowledge score was not statistically different between transferred and non-transferred patients (28.8 ± 5.7 vs. 28.2 ± 5.4; P = 0.320). The mean attitude score was lower in the transferred group than in the non-transferred group (0.75 ± 3.7 vs. 2.2 ± 3.5; P = 0.001). The mean fear score was higher in the non-transferred group than in the transferred group, but the difference was not statistically significant (16.0 ± 5.1 vs. 15.0 ± 5.6; P = 0.101). Conclusions: Most participants in both transferred and non-transferred groups did not have sufficient knowledge of the disease, but the average attitude had a positive score.
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20
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Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiac Arrest and Emergency Care. Cardiol Clin 2022; 40:355-364. [PMID: 35851459 PMCID: PMC8960232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccl.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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