1
|
Kelekar U, Das Gupta D, Theis-Mahon N, Fashingbauer E, Huang B. Distances to emergency departments and non-urgent utilization of medical services: a systematic review. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2353994. [PMID: 38828477 PMCID: PMC11149577 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2353994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of Emergency Departments (EDs) for non-urgent medical conditions is a global public health concern. OBJECTIVES A systematic review, guided by a registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023398674), was conducted to interpret the association between distance as a measure of healthcare access and the utilization of EDs for non-urgent care in high- and middle-income countries. METHODS The search was conducted on 22 August 2023 across five databases using controlled vocabulary and natural language keywords. Eligibility criteria included studies that examined non-urgent care, and featured concepts of emergency departments, non-urgent health services and distance, reported in English. Articles and abstracts where patients were transported by ambulance/paramedic services, referred/transferred from another hospital to an ED, or those that measured distance to an ED from another health facility were excluded. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework informed the quality of evidence. RESULTS Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. All studies demonstrated satisfactory quality with regard to study design, conduct, analysis and presentation of results. Eight (53.3%) of the studies (1 paediatric, 4 all ages/adult, 3 ecological) found a moderate level of evidence of an inverse association between distance and ED visit volume or utilization for non-urgent medical conditions, while the remaining studies reported very low or low evidence. CONCLUSIONS Half of the studies reported non-urgent ED use to be associated with shortest distance traveled or transportation time. This finding bears implications for healthcare policies aiming to reduce ED use for non-urgent care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Uma Kelekar
- Innovation, Leadership and Technology/Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University College of Business, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Debasree Das Gupta
- Kinesiology and Health Science Department, Utah State University Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Logan, UT, USA
| | | | - Emily Fashingbauer
- Minnesota State University College of Allied Health and Nursing, Mankato, MN, USA
| | - Boyen Huang
- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Geddie PI, Loerzel VW. Adult Cancer Patients' Perceptions of Factors That Influence Hospital Admissions. CLIN NURSE SPEC 2024; 38:122-130. [PMID: 38625801 DOI: 10.1097/nur.0000000000000816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE/AIMS To explore cancer patients' perceptions of factors that influence hospital readmissions. DESIGN A cross-sectional, prospective design was employed utilizing a 1-time survey and brief interviews to measure patients' perceptions and unplanned hospital admissions. METHODS AND VARIABLES The principal investigator collected data from medical record review, the Hospital Admission Survey, and interviews to measure patient characteristics and perceptions of influencing factors that contributed to an unplanned hospital admission upon admission. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to categorize patient perceptions of influencing factors of unplanned hospital admissions. RESULTS The top reasons for admission were symptoms of uncontrolled gastrointestinal, pain, fever, and respiratory problems. The majority perceived the admission was unavoidable and wanted to avoid an admission. Perceived influencing factors were related to survey categories of 1) communication (ie, cannot reach physician anytime, cannot get a next-day appointment, medical problems are out of control, advised to go to the emergency department) and 2) home environment (ie, unable to adequately manage symptoms at home and hospital admission is the best place for care). Other survey categories of patient education and palliative care were not perceived as influencing or contributing factors. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight opportunities for clinical nurse specialists to target these vulnerable patients and provide expert consultation to address potential barriers and gaps in utilization of appropriate supportive services that may reduce unplanned hospital admissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Geddie
- Author Affiliations: Nurse Scientist, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute (Dr Geddie); and Professor and Beat M. and Jill L. Kahli Endowed Professor in Oncology Nursing, University of Central Florida, College of Nursing (Dr Loerzel)
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sri-on J, Phumsrisawat J, Rojsaengroeng R. Missed Opportunity to Diagnose Palliative Care Need Among Older Emergency Department Patients in a Middle-Income Country: A Retrospective Study. Open Access Emerg Med 2024; 16:65-73. [PMID: 38659615 PMCID: PMC11041988 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s449089] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to determine the percentage of missed opportunities (MOs) to identify and treat older adults presenting with palliative care (PC) needs at one emergency department (ED). The secondary objective was to determine the rate of treatment interventions regardless of whether the patients received a PC plan as well as the direct cost of treatment. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, PC need was determined using broad and narrow criteria. The subjects comprised patients aged 65 or older who had out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and/or died in the ED (Group 1) or within 72 hours after ED disposition (Group 2) over a 3-year period (2016-2018). Overall, 17,414 older adults visited the ED, 60 died in the ED, and 400 died within 72 hours after ED disposition and admitted to in-hospital ward. In total, 200 patients were randomly selected; of these, 15 were excluded. Results Of the remaining 185 patients enrolled, 161/185 (87%) met the PC criteria and 60/161 (37.3%) were missed opportunities for PC planning. Group 1, had thirty patients, and 8 of those 30 (27%) were missed opportunities for PC planning. Group 2, 131/161 (81.4%), died within 72 hours, and there were 52 missed opportunities (39.7%) of ED PC planning. By comorbidity (Group 2), providers considered PC planning most often for cancer patients (PC: 41.8%; missed opportunities: 15.4%; p = 0.001) and there were more missed opportunities for PC planning among those with ischemic heart disease (PC: 19.0%; missed opportunities: 36.5%; p = 0.025). Conclusion Of the older adults who visited the ED, 87% merited palliative care; further, 37% of opportunities for PC planning were missed. Providers considered PC planning most often for cancer patients. Recognizing PC needs and initiating care in the ED can improve end-of-life quality for dying patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiraporn Sri-on
- Geriatric Emergency Medicine Unit, The Department of Emergency Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jesda Phumsrisawat
- The Department of Emergency Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rapeeporn Rojsaengroeng
- The Department of Emergency Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fleshner L, Lagree A, Shiner A, Alera MA, Bielecki M, Grant R, Kiss A, Krzyzanowska MK, Cheng I, Tran WT, Gandhi S. Drivers of Emergency Department Use Among Oncology Patients in the Era of Novel Cancer Therapeutics: A Systematic Review. Oncologist 2023; 28:1020-1033. [PMID: 37302801 PMCID: PMC10712716 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad161] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients diagnosed with cancer are frequent users of the emergency department (ED). While many visits are unavoidable, a significant portion may be potentially preventable ED visits (PPEDs). Cancer treatments have greatly advanced, whereby patients may present with unique toxicities from targeted therapies and are often living longer with advanced disease. Prior work focused on patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy, and often excluded those on supportive care alone. Other contributors to ED visits in oncology, such as patient-level variables, are less well-established. Finally, prior studies focused on ED diagnoses to describe trends and did not evaluate PPEDs. An updated systematic review was completed to focus on PPEDs, novel cancer therapies, and patient-level variables, including those on supportive care alone. METHODS Three online databases were used. Included publications were in English, from 2012-2022, with sample sizes of ≥50, and reported predictors of ED presentation or ED diagnoses in oncology. RESULTS 45 studies were included. Six studies highlighted PPEDs with variable definitions. Common reasons for ED visits included pain (66%) or chemotherapy toxicities (69.1%). PPEDs were most frequent amongst breast cancer patients (13.4%) or patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy (20%). Three manuscripts included immunotherapy agents, and only one focused on end-of-life patients. CONCLUSION This updated systematic review highlights variability in oncology ED visits during the last decade. There is limited work on the concept of PPEDs, patient-level variables and patients on supportive care alone. Overall, pain and chemotherapy toxicities remain key drivers of ED visits in cancer patients. Further work is needed in this realm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fleshner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiogenomics Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Andrew Lagree
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiogenomics Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Audrey Shiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiogenomics Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marie Angeli Alera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiogenomics Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mateusz Bielecki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiogenomics Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Grant
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monika K Krzyzanowska
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- The Cancer Quality Lab, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivy Cheng
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - William T Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Radiogenomics Laboratory, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonal Gandhi
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shi JJ, Maldonado JA, Wu CF, Peterson SK, Chen YS, Diao K, Volk RJ, Giordano SH, Shih YCT, Kaiser K, Smith GL. Financial toxicity in cancer patients and subsequent risk of repeat acute care utilization. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1209526. [PMID: 37663351 PMCID: PMC10469858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1209526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute care (AC) visits by cancer patients are costly sources of healthcare resources and can exert a financial burden of oncology care both for individuals with cancer and healthcare systems. We sought to identify whether cancer patients who reported more severe initial financial toxicity (FT) burdens shouldered excess risks for acute care utilization. Methods In 225 adult patients who participated in the Economic Strain and Resilience in Cancer (ENRICh) survey study of individuals receiving ambulatory cancer care between March and September 2019, we measured the baseline FT (a multidimensional score of 0-10 indicating the least to most severe global, material, and coping FT burdens). All AC visits, including emergency department (ED) and unplanned hospital admissions, within 1-year follow-up were identified. The association between the severity of FT and the total number of AC visits was tested using Poisson regression models. Results A total of 18.6% (n = 42) of patients had any AC visit, comprising 64.3% hospital admissions and 35.7% ED visits. Global FT burden was associated with the risk of repeat AC visits within 1-year follow-up (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.29, P < 0.001 for every unit increase), even after adjusting for sociodemographic and disease covariates. When examining subdimensions of FT, the burden of depleted FT coping resources (coping FT) was strongly associated with the risk of repeat AC visits (RR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.15-1.40, P < 0.001) while material FT burden showed a trend toward association (RR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.99-1.15, P = 0.07). Conclusion In this prospective study of acute oncology care utilization outcomes among adult cancer patients, FT was a predictor of a higher burden of acute care visits. Patients with severely depleted material and also practical and social coping resources were at particular risk for repeated visits. Future studies are needed to identify whether early FT screening and intervention efforts may help to mitigate urgent acute care utilization burdens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia J. Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - J. Alberto Maldonado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- John Sealy School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Chi-Fang Wu
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Susan K. Peterson
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ying-Shiuan Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kevin Diao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Robert J. Volk
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sharon H. Giordano
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ya-Chen T. Shih
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kelsey Kaiser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Grace L. Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lash R, Pettit N, Vachon E, Spackman C, Draucker CB. A qualitative analysis of cancer-related patient care in the emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:842-850. [PMID: 36809571 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Due to an increasing incidence of new cancer diagnoses in the United States and longer survivorship, a growing number of patients with cancer receive care in emergency departments (EDs). This trend places an increasing burden on already crowded EDs, and experts are concerned these patients do not receive optimal care. The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of ED physicians and nurses who care for patients with cancer. This information can inform strategies to improve oncology care for patients in ED settings. METHODS We used a qualitative descriptive design to summarize to the experiences of ED physicians and nurses (n = 23) caring for patients with cancer. We conducted individual, semistructured interviews to query participants about their perspectives on care for oncology patients in the ED. RESULTS Physician and nurse participants identified 11 challenges and suggested three potential strategies to improve care. The challenges included the following: risk of infection, poor communication between ED staff and other providers, poor communication between oncology or primary care providers and patients, poor communication between ED providers and patients, difficult disposition decisions, new cancer diagnoses, complex pain management, allocation of limited resources, lack of cancer-specific skills among providers, poor care coordination, and evolving end-of-life decisions. The solutions included the following: patient education, education for ED providers, and improved care coordination. CONCLUSIONS Physicians and nurses experience challenges stemming from three overarching types of factors: illness factors, communication factors, and system-level factors. Solutions for the challenges of providing oncology care in the ED call for new strategies at the levels of the patient, provider, institution, and health care system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lash
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
| | - Nick Pettit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric Vachon
- Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Candice Spackman
- Indiana University School of Nursing, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Slagman A, Fischer-Rosinský A, Legg D, Schmieder K, Möckel M. Identification of low-acuity attendances in routine clinical information documented in German Emergency Departments. BMC Emerg Med 2023; 23:64. [PMID: 37280527 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-023-00838-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It has not yet been possible to ascertain the exact proportion, characterization or impact of low-acuity emergency department (ED) attendances on the German Health Care System since valid and robust definitions to be applied in German ED routine data are missing. METHODS Internationally used methods and parameters to identify low-acuity ED attendances were identified, analyzed and then applied to routine ED data from two EDs of the tertiary care hospitals Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Campus Virchow (CVK). RESULTS Based on the three routinely available parameters `disposition´, `transport to the ED´ and `triage´ 33.2% (n = 30 676) out of 92 477 presentations to the two EDs of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin (CVK, CCM) in 2016 could be classified as low-acuity presentations. CONCLUSION This study provides a reliable and replicable means of retrospective identification and quantification of low-acuity attendances in German ED routine data. This enables both intra-national and international comparisons of figures across future studies and health care monitoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Slagman
- Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Health Services Research in Emergency and Acute Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Fischer-Rosinský
- Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Health Services Research in Emergency and Acute Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - David Legg
- Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Health Services Research in Emergency and Acute Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Schmieder
- Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Health Services Research in Emergency and Acute Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Möckel
- Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Health Services Research in Emergency and Acute Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lash RS, Hong AS, Bell JF, Reed SC, Pettit N. Recognizing the emergency department’s role in oncologic care: a review of the literature on unplanned acute care. EMERGENCY CANCER CARE 2022; 1:6. [PMID: 35844666 PMCID: PMC9200439 DOI: 10.1186/s44201-022-00007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The global prevalence of cancer is rapidly increasing and will increase the acute care needs of patients with cancer, including emergency department (ED) care. Patients with cancer present to the ED across the cancer care continuum from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life. This article describes the characteristics and determinants of ED visits, as well as challenges in the effort to define preventable ED visits in this population.
Findings
The most recent population-based estimates suggest 4% of all ED visits are cancer-related and roughly two thirds of these ED visits result in hospitalization—a 4-fold higher ED hospitalization rate than the general population. Approximately 44% of cancer patients visit the ED within 1 year of diagnosis, and more often have repeat ED visits within a short time frame, though there is substantial variability across cancer types. Similar patterns of cancer-related ED use are observed internationally across a range of different national payment and health system settings. ED use for patients with cancer likely reflects a complex interaction of individual and contextual factors—including provider behavior, health system characteristics, and health policies—that warrants greater attention in the literature.
Conclusions
Given the amount and complexity of cancer care delivered in the emergency setting, future research is recommended to examine specific symptoms associated with cancer-related ED visits, the contextual determinants of ED use, and definitions of preventable ED use specific to patients with cancer.
Collapse
|
9
|
Dumnui N, Nagaviroj K, Anothaisintawee T. A study of the factors associated with emergency department visits in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:197. [PMCID: PMC9664626 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01098-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Several studies demonstrated that cancer patients visited the emergency department (ED) frequently. This indicates unmet needs and poor-quality palliative care. We aimed to investigate the factors that contribute to ED visits among patients with advanced cancer in order to identify strategies for reducing unnecessary ED visits among these patients.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted between January and December, 2019. Eligible patients were previously enrolled in the comprehensive palliative care program prior to their ED visit. All patients older than 18 were included. Patients were excluded if they had died at the initial consultation, were referred to other programs at the initial consultation, or had an incomplete record. The trial ended when the patients died, were referred to other palliative programs, or the study ended. The time between the initial palliative consultation and study endpoints was categorized into three groups: 16 days, 16–100 days, and > 100 days, based on the literature review. To investigate the factors associated with ED visits, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. The variables with a P value < 0.15 from the univariate logistic regression analysis were included in the multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results
Among a total of 227 patients, 93 visited the ED and 134 did not. Mean age was 65.5 years. Most prevalent cancers were colorectal (18.5%), lung (16.3%), and hepatobiliary (11.9%). At the end, 146 patients died, 45 were alive, nine were referred to other programs, and 27 were lost to follow-up. In univariate logistic regression analysis, patients with > 100 days from palliative consultation (OR 0.23; 95%CI 0.08, 0.66; p-value 0.01) were less likely to attend the ED. In contrast, PPS 50–90% (OR 2.02; 95%CI 1.18, 3.47; p-value 0.01) increased the ED visits. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, these two factors remained associated with ED visits:> 100 days from the palliative consultation (OR 0.18; 95%CI 0.06, 0.55; p-value 0.01) and PPS 50–90% (OR 2.62; 95%CI 1.44, 4.79; p-value 0.01).
Conclusions
There was reduced ED utilization among cancer patients with > 100 days of palliative care. Patients having a lower PPS were associated with a lower risk of ED visits.
Collapse
|
10
|
Park H, Son MJ, Jung DW, Lee H, Lee JY. National Trends in Hospitalization for Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions among Korean Adults between 2008 and 2019. Yonsei Med J 2022; 63:948-955. [PMID: 36168248 PMCID: PMC9520050 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine 12-year trends in hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) and factors affecting hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study used data on Korean National Health Insurance and Medical Aid patients aged 19 and over who used medical services at least once between January 2008 and December 2019 with an ACSC as their major diagnosis. As of 2019, a total of 12324071 patients were included. To check for any changes in hospitalization, age- and sex-standardized hospitalization rates were obtained for each condition and insurance type, and multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors affecting hospitalization. RESULTS The collective average ACSC hospitalization rate decreased from 5.0% in 2008 to 4.2% in 2019. Specifically, hospitalization rates for hypertension (1.4% in 2008; 0.8% in 2019), diabetes (5.8% in 2008; 3.3% in 2019), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma (4.1% in 2008; 3.2% in 2019) decreased, while rates for pneumonia (24.5% in 2008; 28.1% in 2019) and urinary tract infection (UTI) (5.7% in 2008; 6.4% in 2019) increased. The rate for heart failure decreased 2.3% between 2008 and 2012 and then rebounded. The odds of hospitalization among Medical Aid patients were 1.45-4.20 times higher than those of National Health Insurance patients. CONCLUSION Differences in trends were confirmed for ACSC hospitalization rates among different conditions and insurance types in Korea. These results suggest the need for policy reforms aimed at reducing hospitalization for heart failure, pneumonia, and UTI, especially among Medical Aid patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyeki Park
- HIRA Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
- Department of Public Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Jung Son
- HIRA Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
- Department of Human Systems Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Da Won Jung
- HIRA Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
- Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University Graduate School, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hyejin Lee
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- HIRA Research Institute, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Monsomboon A, Chongwatcharasatit T, Chanthong P, Chakorn T, Prapruetkit N, Surabenjawong U, Limsuwat C, Chaisirin W, Ruangsomboon O. Characteristics and factors associated with mortality in palliative patients visiting the Emergency Department of a large tertiary hospital in Thailand. Palliat Care 2022; 21:115. [PMID: 35754048 PMCID: PMC9235171 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01009-z] [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: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The characteristics and outcomes of palliative patients who visited the Emergency Department (ED) in Thailand, a country in which no standard palliative care system existed, have not been comprehensively studied. We aimed to report the characteristics of ED palliative patients and investigate factors associated with mortality. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between March 2019 and February 2021 by means of interviewing palliative patients and/or their caregivers and medical record review. Palliative patients with either incurable cancer or other end-stage chronic diseases were included. Results A total of 182 patients were enrolled. Their mean age was 73 years, 61.5% were female, and 53.8% had incurable cancer. Of these, 20.3% had previously visited the palliative clinic. Approximately 60% had advanced directives, 4.9% had a living will, and 27.5% had plans on their preferred place of death. The most common chief complaint was dyspnea (43.4%), and the main reason for ED visits was ‘cannot control symptoms’ (80%). At the ED, 17% of the patients had been seen by the palliative care team, and 23.1% died. Although 51% were admitted, 48.9% could not survive to discharge. Cancer, having received morphine, a palliative performance scale > 30, and ED palliative consultation were independently associated with hospital mortality. Conclusion The recognition and utilization of palliative care were largely inadequate, especially for non-cancer patients. An improvement and promotion in the palliative care system from the ED through home care are mandatory to improve the quality of life of palliative patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01009-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apichaya Monsomboon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Trisuchon Chongwatcharasatit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Pratamaporn Chanthong
- Siriraj Palliative Care Center, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Tipa Chakorn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Nattakarn Prapruetkit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Usapan Surabenjawong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Chok Limsuwat
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Wansiri Chaisirin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Onlak Ruangsomboon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, 2 Wanglang Road, Bangkoknoi, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
LeBaron V, Boukhechba M, Edwards J, Flickinger T, Ling D, Barnes LE. Exploring the use of wearable sensors and natural language processing technology to improve patient-clinician communication: Protocol for a feasibility study (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e37975. [PMID: 35594139 PMCID: PMC9166632 DOI: 10.2196/37975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mehdi Boukhechba
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James Edwards
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tabor Flickinger
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David Ling
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Laura E Barnes
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
LeBaron V, Alam R, Bennett R, Blackhall L, Gordon K, Hayes J, Homdee N, Jones R, Lichti K, Martinez Y, Mohammadi S, Ogunjirin E, Patel N, Lach J. Deploying the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C) smart health system to support patients and family caregivers in managing pain: A feasibility and acceptability study. (Preprint). JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e36879. [PMID: 35943791 PMCID: PMC9399893 DOI: 10.2196/36879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Distressing cancer pain remains a serious symptom management issue for patients and family caregivers, particularly within home settings. Technology can support home-based cancer symptom management but must consider the experience of patients and family caregivers, as well as the broader environmental context. Objective This study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a smart health sensing system—Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C)—that was designed to support the monitoring and management of cancer pain in the home setting. Methods Dyads of patients with cancer and their primary family caregivers were recruited from an outpatient palliative care clinic at an academic medical center. BESI-C was deployed in each dyad home for approximately 2 weeks. Data were collected via environmental sensors to assess the home context (eg, light and temperature); Bluetooth beacons to help localize dyad positions; and smart watches worn by both patients and caregivers, equipped with heart rate monitors, accelerometers, and a custom app to deliver ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). EMAs enabled dyads to record and characterize pain events from both their own and their partners’ perspectives. Sensor data streams were integrated to describe and explore the context of cancer pain events. Feasibility was assessed both technically and procedurally. Acceptability was assessed using postdeployment surveys and structured interviews with participants. Results Overall, 5 deployments (n=10 participants; 5 patient and family caregiver dyads) were completed, and 283 unique pain events were recorded. Using our “BESI-C Performance Scoring Instrument,” the overall technical feasibility score for deployments was 86.4 out of 100. Procedural feasibility challenges included the rurality of dyads, smart watch battery life and EMA reliability, and the length of time required for deployment installation. Postdeployment acceptability Likert surveys (1=strongly disagree; 5=strongly agree) found that dyads disagreed that BESI-C was a burden (1.7 out of 5) or compromised their privacy (1.9 out of 5) and agreed that the system collected helpful information to better manage cancer pain (4.6 out of 5). Participants also expressed an interest in seeing their own individual data (4.4 out of 5) and strongly agreed that it is important that data collected by BESI-C are shared with their respective partners (4.8 out of 5) and health care providers (4.8 out of 5). Qualitative feedback from participants suggested that BESI-C positively improved patient-caregiver communication regarding pain management. Importantly, we demonstrated proof of concept that seriously ill patients with cancer and their caregivers will mark pain events in real time using a smart watch. Conclusions It is feasible to deploy BESI-C, and dyads find the system acceptable. By leveraging human-centered design and the integration of heterogenous environmental, physiological, and behavioral data, the BESI-C system offers an innovative approach to monitor cancer pain, mitigate the escalation of pain and distress, and improve symptom management self-efficacy. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/16178
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ridwan Alam
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rachel Bennett
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Leslie Blackhall
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kate Gordon
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - James Hayes
- Trident Systems, Inc, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Nutta Homdee
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Randy Jones
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kathleen Lichti
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Yudel Martinez
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sahar Mohammadi
- Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Ogunjirin
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nyota Patel
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - John Lach
- The George Washington University School of Engineering & Applied Science, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lee SY, Ro YS, Shin SD, Moon S. Epidemiologic trends in cancer-related emergency department utilization in Korea from 2015 to 2019. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21981. [PMID: 34754058 PMCID: PMC8578619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is inevitable for cancer patients to visit the emergency department (ED) for symptoms of cancer itself and various treatment-related complications. As the prevalence of cancer increases along with cancer survival rates, the number of ED visits of cancer patients may increase. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic trends and characteristics of cancer-related ED visits. A cross-sectional study was conducted for all ED visits nationwide between 2015 and 2019. The characteristics of cancer- and non-cancer-related ED visits were compared, and the cancer type and primary reason for ED visits were investigated for cancer-related ED visits. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rate per 100,000 population was calculated. Among 44,983,523 ED visits for 5 years, 1,372,119 (3.1%) were cancer-related. Among cancer-related ED visits, 54.8% led to hospitalization including 5.1% in ICU, and 9.5% died in the hospital. The age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of cancer-related ED visits per 100,000 population increased from 521.8 in 2015 to 642.2 in 2019 (p-for-trends, < 0.01), and rates of cancer-related hospital admission via ED were 309.0 in 2015 and 336.6 in 2019 (p-for-trends, 0.75). The most common cancer types were lung cancer (14.7%), liver cancer (13.1%), and colorectal cancer (11.5%). The most common primary reasons of cancer-related ED visits were pneumonia (3.6%), gastroenteritis (2.7%), fever (2.6%), abdominal pain (2.4%), and ileus (2.1%). Cancer-related ED visits accounted for 3.1% of all ED visits, with 1.37 million cases over five years. The incidence rate of cancer-related ED visits has increased year by year, with high hospitalization and mortality rates, and the burden of cancer-related ED visits will continue to increase as the prevalence increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Lee
- Public Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Sun Ro
- Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea. .,Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. .,National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Sang Do Shin
- Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungwoo Moon
- National Emergency Medical Center, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Gyeonggi, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
LeBaron V, Bennett R, Alam R, Blackhall L, Gordon K, Hayes J, Homdee N, Jones R, Martinez Y, Ogunjirin E, Thomas T, Lach J. Understanding the Experience of Cancer Pain From the Perspective of Patients and Family Caregivers to Inform Design of an In-Home Smart Health System: Multimethod Approach. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e20836. [PMID: 32712581 PMCID: PMC7481872 DOI: 10.2196/20836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inadequately managed pain is a serious problem for patients with cancer and those who care for them. Smart health systems can help with remote symptom monitoring and management, but they must be designed with meaningful end-user input. Objective This study aims to understand the experience of managing cancer pain at home from the perspective of both patients and family caregivers to inform design of the Behavioral and Environmental Sensing and Intervention for Cancer (BESI-C) smart health system. Methods This was a descriptive pilot study using a multimethod approach. Dyads of patients with cancer and difficult pain and their primary family caregivers were recruited from an outpatient oncology clinic. The participant interviews consisted of (1) open-ended questions to explore the overall experience of cancer pain at home, (2) ranking of variables on a Likert-type scale (0, no impact; 5, most impact) that may influence cancer pain at home, and (3) feedback regarding BESI-C system prototypes. Qualitative data were analyzed using a descriptive approach to identity patterns and key themes. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS; basic descriptive statistics and independent sample t tests were run. Results Our sample (n=22; 10 patient-caregiver dyads and 2 patients) uniformly described the experience of managing cancer pain at home as stressful and difficult. Key themes included (1) unpredictability of pain episodes; (2) impact of pain on daily life, especially the negative impact on sleep, activity, and social interactions; and (3) concerns regarding medications. Overall, taking pain medication was rated as the category with the highest impact on a patient’s pain (=4.79), followed by the categories of wellness (=3.60; sleep quality and quantity, physical activity, mood and oral intake) and interaction (=2.69; busyness of home, social or interpersonal interactions, physical closeness or proximity to others, and emotional closeness and connection to others). The category related to environmental factors (temperature, humidity, noise, and light) was rated with the lowest overall impact (=2.51). Patients and family caregivers expressed receptivity to the concept of BESI-C and reported a preference for using a wearable sensor (smart watch) to capture data related to the abrupt onset of difficult cancer pain. Conclusions Smart health systems to support cancer pain management should (1) account for the experience of both the patient and the caregiver, (2) prioritize passive monitoring of physiological and environmental variables to reduce burden, and (3) include functionality that can monitor and track medication intake and efficacy; wellness variables, such as sleep quality and quantity, physical activity, mood, and oral intake; and levels of social interaction and engagement. Systems must consider privacy and data sharing concerns and incorporate feasible strategies to capture and characterize rapid-onset symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia LeBaron
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rachel Bennett
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Ridwan Alam
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Leslie Blackhall
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kate Gordon
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - James Hayes
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Nutta Homdee
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Randy Jones
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Yudel Martinez
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Emmanuel Ogunjirin
- University of Virginia School of Engineering & Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tanya Thomas
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - John Lach
- The George Washington University School of Engineering & Applied Science, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
The Perceptions of Cancer Patients Regarding the Causes and Preventability of Unplanned Hospital Admissions. Am J Clin Oncol 2020; 43:734-740. [PMID: 32739972 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes of oncology patients regarding the causes and preventability of unplanned hospitalizations. METHODS Convenience sample using a 36-question survey instrument adapted from prior studies of hospital readmissions. RESULTS A total of 95 evaluable patients answered >75% of survey items. Majorities (64%) agreed that they desired to avoid the admission, but disagreed (79%) that their own admission was preventable. Patients did not generally express lack confidence in their overall self-management abilities (only 36% agreed) or dissatisfaction with the level of home support, emotional or equipment (only 11% to 26% agreed). Patients did not complain of an inability to access their oncology care team (only 14% agreed), yet a strong majority (79%) endorsed the idea that emergency department visits represent the "quickest and easiest way to get needed care" and that the "hospital is the best place for me when I am sick" (60%). Overall, 79% indicated that their oncology care team directed them to visit the emergency department for evaluation. Most results did not differ by demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS These results differ from previous results that use methods other than a direct patient survey to determine the preventability or root causes of unplanned hospital admissions/ or readmissions. Accordingly, patient support programs may not address the root causes of unplanned admissions. The use of the emergency department for unplanned care may represent local culture and institutions planning reduction efforts should include patent perceptions to plan a holistic solution.
Collapse
|
17
|
Allende-Pérez S, González P, Peña-Nieves A, Herrera-Gómez Á, Verástegui E. End-of-Life Admission to the Emergency Department: Experience of Mexico's National Cancer Institute of a Developing Country. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:881-884. [PMID: 32101019 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120908793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Admission to the emergency department (ED) of patients with advanced or end-of-life (EoL) cancer saturates the services that provide active medical attention to the complications of anticancer therapy, and the lack of specific protocol limits proper handling. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with advanced cancer admitted to the ED at the EoL in a comprehensive cancer center in Mexico. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to ED of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico City, with 3 or less days before they died, between January 2011 and December 2018. The data collected included clinical and demographic characteristics, reason for admission to the ED, number of admissions to ED in the last month of life, and cancer treatment received. RESULTS A total of 426 patients were included; 60.8% were female with a median age of 60 years; 71.6% patients were receiving some kind of disease-modifying treatment, although the oncologist had considered they could die within 6 months, and 16 of them were receiving concomitant PC. 8.9% of these patients had been admitted 3 or more times to the ED in the last month. The principal reasons for admission to ED were dyspnea, uncontrolled pain, 12 patients were admitted in active death and 94 died within hours of admission to ED. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care approach in oncological patients admitted to ED is important to avoid unnecesary suffering at the EoL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Allende-Pérez
- Palliative Care Service, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología San Fernando, Colonia Sección XVI Tlalpan CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Pamela González
- Palliative Care Service, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología San Fernando, Colonia Sección XVI Tlalpan CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Peña-Nieves
- Palliative Care Service, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología San Fernando, Colonia Sección XVI Tlalpan CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ángel Herrera-Gómez
- Palliative Care Service, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología San Fernando, Colonia Sección XVI Tlalpan CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Emma Verástegui
- Palliative Care Service, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología San Fernando, Colonia Sección XVI Tlalpan CP, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|