Factors associated with emergency department useamong veteran psychiatric patients

Emergency department visits at Veterans Health Administration hospitals related to alcohol intoxication: A ten-year retrospective

We sought to quantify and describe the volume of emergency department visits related to alcohol intoxication at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest healthcare system in the United States. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with VHA emergency department visits for alcohol intoxication from 2010 to 2019 as identified via ICD-9/10 code and/or serum ethanol concentration >50 mg/dL. Encounters were identified and demographic and clinical data were acquired by automated query of the VHA Corporate Data Warehouse. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were performed. We identified 95,123 patients with a total of 251,310 emergency department visits. The annual number of visits increased over the study period, reaching 32,333 in 2019. Men aged 40-60 were the most common demographic group in the cohort (48% of all patients), and men made up a higher proportion of patients in the database (94%) than the VHA population overall (90%). A disproportionate number of visits (32%) came from the top 4.4% of most frequent visitors. Most of the emergency department visits in the database (68%) were associated with medical or psychiatric admission, or interfacility transfer for admission elsewhere. Patients in the cohort accounted for 1.3% of all VHA emergency department visits during the study period, a proportion that is somewhat smaller than what has been reported at non-VHA facilities, despite the high prevalence of addiction disorders in the VHA patient population. We submit that this lower-than-expected proportion of alcohol-related emergency department visits may be due to the access to primary and mental care which is afforded by VHA patient benefits.

Emergency Department Use Among Combat and Non-Combat Post-9/11 Military Veterans

INTRODUCTION

Most post-9/11 Veterans have completed at least 1 combat deployment-a known factor associated with adverse health outcomes. Such Veterans are known to have unmet health care needs, and the emergency department (ED) may serve as a safety net, yet little is known about whether combat status is associated with more frequent ED use. We sought to evaluate the relationship between combat status and frequency of ED use among post-9/11 Veterans and assess the most common reasons for ED visits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study consisted of post-9/11 Veterans who enrolled in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care between fiscal years (FYs) 2005 and 2015. Data were obtained from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Incidence rates for ED visits for combat and non-combat Veterans were compared from FY 2010 to 2019 using zero-inflated negative binomial regression. The most frequent reasons for ED visits were determined using International Classification of Diseases codes. This study was approved by the Stanford Institutional Review Board.

RESULTS

Among 1.3 million Veterans included in analyses, 70.4% had deployed to a combat zone. The mean (SD) age of our cohort was 32.6 (5.0) years and 83.5% of Veterans were male. After controlling for other factors, combat Veterans had 1.84 times the rate of ED visits compared to non-combat Veterans (95% CI, 1.83-1.85). Only combat Veterans had a mental health-related ED visit (suicidal ideations) among the top 3 reasons for ED presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Those who deployed to a combat zone had a significantly higher rate of ED use compared to those who did not. Further, mental health-related ED diagnoses appeared to be more prevalent in combat Veterans. These findings highlight the unique health care needs faced by combat Veterans and emphasize the importance of tailored interventions and support services for this specific population.

Serious adverse drug events associated with psychotropic treatment of bipolar or schizoaffective disorder: a 17-year follow-up on the LiSIE retrospective cohort study

Introduction

Mood stabilisers and other psychotropic drugs can lead to serious adverse drug events (ADEs). However, the incidence remains unknown. We aimed to (a) determine the incidence of serious ADEs in patients with bipolar or schizoaffective disorders, (b) explore the role of lithium exposure, and (c) describe the aetiology.

Methods

This study is part of the LiSIE (Lithium-Study into Effects and Side Effects) retrospective cohort study. Between 2001 and 2017, patients in the Swedish region of Norrbotten, with a diagnosis of bipolar or schizoaffective disorder, were screened for serious ADEs to psychotropic drugs, having resulted in critical, post-anaesthesia, or intensive care. We determined the incidence rate of serious ADEs/1,000 person-years (PY).

Results

In 1,521 patients, we identified 41 serious ADEs, yielding an incidence rate of 1.9 events per 1,000 PY. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) between ADEs with lithium present and causally implicated and ADEs without lithium exposure was significant at 2.59 (95% CI 1.20-5.51; p = 0.0094). The IRR of ADEs in patients <65 and ≥65 years was significant at 3.36 (95% CI 1.63-6.63; p = 0.0007). The most common ADEs were chronic lithium intoxication, oversedation, and cardiac/blood pressure-related events.

Discussion

Serious ADEs related to treatment of bipolar (BD) or schizoaffective disorder (SZD) were uncommon but not rare. Older individuals were particularly at risk. The risk was higher in individuals exposed to lithium. Serum lithium concentration should always be checked when patients present with new or unclear somatic symptoms. However, severe ADEs also occurred with other mood stabilisers and other psychotropic drugs.

Longitudinal Outcomes of the top 20 Utilizers of VA Connecticut's Psychiatric Emergency Services Between 2010 and 2020

Frequent utilizers of emergency services represent a clinically important cohort with potentially unmet health care needs despite demanding a high volume of costly services. However, not much is known about their longitudinal course. This study identified the top 20 utilizers of VA Connecticut's psychiatric emergency services and conducted a chart review of their longitudinal outcomes during an 11-year period between 2010 and 2020, including their visit diagnoses, medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and types and frequency of other medical services and supports received. At the index visit, 19 of the 20 patients had substance use disorder and 14 patients had at least one non-substance psychiatric diagnosis. Despite all patients receiving primary care and other services, such as residential treatments, outpatient therapy, and social work consults, 11 of the 12 patients remaining alive and residing in the state continued to utilize psychiatric emergency services in 2020, revealing a pattern of persistent use.

Adjustment disorder in the Armed Forces: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

In the UK military, adjustment disorder (AjD) is reported as one of the most diagnosed mental disorders, alongside depression, in personnel presenting to mental health services. Despite this, little is understood about what may predict AjD, common treatment or outcomes for this population.

AIM

The systematic review aimed to summarise existing research for AjD in Armed Forces (AF) populations, including prevalence and risk factors, and to outline clinical and occupational outcomes.

METHOD

A literature search was conducted in December 2020 to identify research that investigated AjD within an AF population (serving or veteran) following the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Eighty-three studies were included in the review. The AjD prevalence estimates in AF populations with a mental disorder was considerably higher for serving AF personnel (34.9%) compared to veterans (12.8%). Childhood adversities were identified as a risk factor for AjD. AjD was found to increase the risk of suicidal ideation, with one study reporting a risk ratio of 4.70 (95% Confidence Interval: 3.50-6.20). Talking therapies were the most common treatment for AjD, however none reported on treatment effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

This review found that AjD was commonly reported across international AF. Despite heterogeneity in the results, the review identifies several literature gaps.

Integrating data analytics, peer support, and whole health coaching to improve the health outcomes of homeless veterans: Study protocol for an effectiveness-implementation trial

BACKGROUND

Homelessness is a strong determinant of acute care service utilization (inpatient hospitalization, emergency department visits) among US adults. Data analytics, peer support, and patient-centered approaches can collectively offer high-quality care for homeless patients who frequently utilize acute care ("super utilizers"). However, few outpatient programs have integrated these components and tested their effectiveness for this patient population.

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness and implementation potential of a novel intervention that integrates data analytics with peers trained in whole health coaching ("Peer Whole Health") to reduce use of acute care among homeless adults.

METHODS

Using a randomized controlled trial design at two US Veterans Health Administration Medical Centers, we plan to enroll 220 veterans in primary care on VHA's Homeless Registry who are flagged on a super-utilizer clinical dashboard. Participants will complete a baseline interview, be randomized to Enhanced Usual Care (EUC; primary care and data analytics) or EUC plus 18 sessions of Peer Whole Health over 6 months, and be re-interviewed at 3, 6, and 9 months. Qualitative interviews with primary care staff and patients will identify facilitators and barriers to more widespread implementation of the intervention.

DISCUSSION

The primary hypothesis is that those who receive the intervention will have fewer total days of all-cause hospitalization. If confirmed, the findings can provide healthcare systems that serve homeless super-utilizers with a high-value approach to care that can be integrated into primary care services and reduce overall costs for these patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05176977).

Association between sustained opioid prescription and frequent emergency department use: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is common among frequent emergency department (ED) users, although factors underlying this association are unclear. This study estimated the association between sustained opioid use and frequent ED use among patients with CNCP.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study using a Canadian provincial health insurer database (Régie d'Assurance Maladie du Québec). The database included adults with both ≥1 chronic condition and ≥ 1 ED visit in 2012 or 2013. Inclusion in the study further required a CNCP diagnosis, public drug insurance coverage and 1-year survival after the first ED visit in 2012 or 2013 (index visit). Multivariable logistic regression was used to derive ORs of frequent ED use (≥5 visits in the year following the index visit) subsequent to sustained opioid use (≥60 days opioids prescription within 90 days preceding the index visit), adjusting for important covariables.

RESULTS

From 576 688 patients in the database, 58 237 were included in the study. Of these, 4109 (7.1%) had received a sustained opioid prescription and 4735 (8.1%) were frequent ED users in the follow-up year. Sustained opioid use was not associated with frequent ED use in the multivariable model (OR: 1.06, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.19). Novel associated covariables were benzodiazepine prescription (OR: 1.21, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.30) and polypharmacy (OR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to confounding by social and medical vulnerability, patients with CNCP with sustained opioid use appear to have a higher propensity for frequent ED use in unadjusted models. However, sustained opioid use was not associated with frequent ED use in these patients after adjustment.

Peer support and whole health coaching to address the healthcare needs of homeless veterans: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Homelessness is a robust social determinant of acute care service utilization among veterans. Although intensive outpatient programs have been developed for homeless veterans who are high utilizers of acute care ("super utilizers"), few scalable programs have been implemented to address their needs.

OBJECTIVE

Describe the development and pilot testing of a novel intervention that integrates the roles of a peer and whole health coach ("Peer-WHC") in coordination with primary care teams to reduce homeless veterans' frequent use of acute care.

DESIGN

Single-arm trial in three outpatient primary care clinics at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical center; pre/post design using mixed-methods.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty veterans from VHA's homeless registry who were super-utilizers of acute care and enrolled in primary care.

INTERVENTION

Weekly health coaching sessions with a peer over 12 weeks, including discussions of patients' health care utilization patterns and coordination with primary care.

MAIN MEASURES

Rates of session attendance and intervention fidelity, patient-reported satisfaction and changes in patient engagement and perceptions of health, pre/post utilization of acute and supportive care services, and qualitative interviews with multiple stakeholders to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation.

KEY RESULTS

On average, patients attended 6.35 sessions (SD = 3.5, Median = 7). Satisfaction scores (M = 28.75 out of 32; SD = 2.79) exceeded a priori benchmarks. Patients' perceptions of health improved from pre to post [t(df)=-2.26(14), p = 0.04]. In the 3-months pre/post, 45% (n = 9) and 15% (n = 3) of patients, respectively, were hospitalized. Qualitative feedback from patients, providers, and peers and fidelity metrics suggested value in increasing the length of the intervention to facilitate goal-setting with patients and coordination with primary care.

CONCLUSION

Findings support the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of Peer-WHC to address the healthcare needs of homeless veterans. A future trial is warranted to test the impact of Peer-WHC on reducing these patients' frequent use of acute care.

Analysis of Emergency Department Encounters Among High Users of Health Care and Social Service Systems Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

IMPORTANCE

Although the general US population had fewer emergency department (ED) visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, patterns of use among high users are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To examine natural trends in ED visits among high users of health and social services during an extended period and assess whether these trends differed during COVID-19.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study combined data from 9 unique cohorts, 1 for each fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) from 2012 to 2021, and used mixed-effects, negative binomial regression to model ED visits over time and assess ED use among the top 5% of high users of multiple systems during COVID-19. Data were obtained from the Coordinated Care Management System, a San Francisco Department of Public Health platform that integrates medical and social information with service use.

EXPOSURES

Fiscal year 2020 was defined as the COVID-19 year.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Measured variables were age, gender, language, race and ethnicity, homelessness, insurance status, jail health encounters, mental health and substance use diagnoses, and mortality. The main outcome was annual mean ED visit counts. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were used to describe changes in ED visit rates both over time and in COVID-19 vs non-COVID-19 years.

RESULTS

Of the 8967 participants, 3289 (36.7%) identified as White, 3005 (33.5%) as Black, and 1513 (16.9%) as Latinx; and 7932 (88.5%) preferred English. The mean (SD) age was 46.7 (14.2) years, 6071 (67.7%) identified as men, and 7042 (78.5%) had experienced homelessness. A statistically significant decrease was found in annual mean ED visits among high users for every year of follow-up until year 8, with the largest decrease occurring in the first year of follow-up (IRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.40-0.43). However, during the pandemic, ED visits decreased 25% beyond the mean reduction seen in prepandemic years (IRR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.72-0.79).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study, multiple cohorts of the top 5% of high users of multiple health care systems in San Francisco had sustained annual decreases in ED visits from 2012 to 2021, with significantly greater decreases during COVID-19. Further research is needed to elucidate pandemic-specific factors associated with these findings and understand how this change in use was associated with health outcomes.

Social determinants of health and emergency department utilization among adults receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND

Individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) use the emergency department (ED) at high rates. Medication treatment for OUD (MOUD) is associated with reduced ED utilization. However, individuals receiving MOUD still utilize ED services at higher rates than the general population. The objective of this study is to compare the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of those who do and do not utilize ED services based on the Healthy People 2030 framework regarding social determinants of health (SDoH) among a sample of individuals receiving MOUD.

METHODS

Participants receiving buprenorphine for OUD at an outpatient addiction clinic completed a cross-sectional survey between July and September 2019. A 6-month prospective medical record review was conducted. The primary outcome was ED visit (yes/no) during the 6-month study period. Demographic, psychosocial, and clinical characteristics were gathered from survey measures and chart abstraction. Chi square and T-tests tested differences by ED utilization.

RESULTS

Participants (n=142) were 54.9% female and 68.8% Black, with an average age of 43.2 years (SD=12.5). Of the participants, 38.7% visited the ED in the study period, primarily for infectious or musculoskeletal causes. Participants with an ED visit were more likely to be Black (p=.011), have less social support (p=.030), more medical comorbidities (p=.008) including chronic pain (p=.045), and more visits with an addiction provider in the study period (p=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Factors associated with ED utilization among individuals receiving buprenorphine for OUD include low social support and medical comorbidities, including chronic pain. More research is needed on modifiable SDoH that influence ED utilization.

A prospective examination of health care costs associated with posttraumatic stress disorder diagnostic status and symptom severity among veterans

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased health care costs; however, most studies exploring this association use PTSD diagnostic data in administrative records, which can contain inaccurate diagnostic information and be confounded by the quantity of service use. We used a diagnostic interview to determine PTSD diagnostic status and examined associations between PTSD symptom severity and health care costs and utilization, extracted from Veteran Health Administration (VHA) administrative databases. Using a nationwide longitudinal sample of U.S. veterans with and without PTSD (N = 1,377) enrolled in VHA health care, we determined the costs and utilization of mental health and non-mental health outpatient, pharmacy, and inpatient services for 1 year following cohort enrollment. Relative to veterans without PTSD, those with PTSD had higher total health care, B = 0.47; mental health clinic care, B = 0.72; non-mental health clinic care, B = 0.30; and pharmacy costs, B = 0.72, ps < .001. More severe PTSD symptoms were associated with mental health clinic care costs, B = 0.12; non-mental health clinic care costs, B = 0.27; and higher odds of inpatient, B = 0.63, and emergency service use, B = 0.39, p < .001-p = .012. These findings indicate that veterans' PTSD status, determined by a clinician-administered semistructured diagnostic interview, was associated with higher health care costs and increased use of mental health and non-mental health clinic services. The findings also suggest that more severe PTSD is associated with increased costs and utilization, including costly emergency and inpatient utilization.

Optimizing care coordination to address social determinants of health needs for dual-use veterans

BACKGROUND

Veterans increasingly utilize both the Veteran's Health Administration (VA) and non-VA hospitals (dual-users). Dual-users are at increased risk of fragmented care and adverse outcomes and often do not receive necessary follow-up care addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). We developed a Veteran-informed social worker-led Advanced Care Coordination (ACC) program to decrease fragmented care and provide longitudinal care coordination addressing SDOH for dual-users accessing non-VA emergency departments (EDs) in two communities.

METHODS

ACC had four core components: 1. Notification from non-VA ED providers of Veterans' ED visit; 2. ACC social worker completed a comprehensive assessment with the Veteran to identify SDOH needs; 3. Clinical intervention addressing SDOH up to 90 days post-ED discharge; and 4. Warm hand-off to Veteran's VA primary care team. Data was documented in our program database. We performed propensity matching between a control group and ACC participants between 4/10/2018 - 4/1/2020 (N- = 161). A joint survival model using Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique was employed for 30-day outcomes. We performed Difference-In-Difference analyses on number of ED visits, admissions, and primary care physician (PCP) visits 120-day pre/post discharge.

RESULTS

When compared to a matched control group ACC had significantly lower risk of 30-day ED visits (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.61, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = (0.42, 0.92)) and a higher probability of PCP visits at 13-30 days post-ED visit (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = (1.01, 2.22)). Veterans enrolled in ACC were connected to VA PCP visits (50%), VA benefits (19%), home health care (10%), mental health and substance use treatment (7%), transportation (7%), financial assistance (5%), and homeless resources (2%).

CONCLUSION

We developed and implemented a program addressing dual-users' SDOH needs post non-VA ED discharge. Social workers connected dual-users to needed follow-up care and resources which reduced fragmentation and adverse outcomes.

Lipophilic vs. hydrophilic statins and psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency room visits in US Veterans with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Objective –

Psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits are costly, stigmatizing, and often ineffective. Given the immune and kynurenine activation in bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia, as well as the immune-modulatory effects of statins, we aimed to compare the relative risk (RRs) of psychiatric hospitalizations and ED visits between individuals prescribed lipophilic vs. hydrophilic statins vs. no statins. We hypothesized (a) reduced rates of hospitalization and ER utilization with statins versus no statins and (b) differences in outcomes between statins, as lipophilia increases the capability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier with potentially beneficial neuroimmune, antioxidant, neuroprotective, neurotrophic, and endothelial stabilizing effects, and, in contrast, potentially detrimental decreases in brain cholesterol concentrations leading to serotoninergic dysfunction, changes in membrane lipid composition, thus affecting ion channels and receptors.

Methods –

We used VA service utilization data from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2015. The RRs for psychiatric hospitalization and ED visits, were estimated using robust Poisson regression analyses. The number of individuals analyzed was 683,129.

Results –

Individuals with schizophrenia and BD who received prescriptions for either lipophilic or hydrophilic statins had a lower RR of psychiatric hospitalization or ED visits relative to nonstatin controls. Hydrophilic statins were significantly associated with lower RRs of psychiatric hospitalization but not of ED visits, compared to lipophilic statins.

Conclusion –

The reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations in statin users (vs. nonusers) should be interpreted cautiously, as it carries a high risk of confounding by indication. While the lower RR of psychiatric hospitalizations in hydrophilic statins relative to the lipophilic statins is relatively bias free, the finding bears replication in a specifically designed study. If replicated, important clinical implications for personalizing statin treatment in patients with mental illness, investigating add-on statins for improved therapeutic control, and mechanistic exploration for identifying new treatment targets are natural next steps.

Inpatient Mental Healthcare before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prior studies have demonstrated disruption to outpatient mental health services after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inpatient mental health services have received less attention. The current study utilized an existing cohort of 33 Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) acute inpatient mental health units to examine disruptions to inpatient services. It further explored the association between patient demographic, clinical, and services variables on relapse rates. Inpatient admissions and therapeutic services (group and individual therapy and peer support) were lower amongst the COVID-19 sample than prior to the onset of COVID-19 while lengths of stay were longer. Relapse rates did not differ between cohorts. Patients with prior emergent services use as well as substance abuse or personality disorder diagnoses were at higher risk for relapse. Receiving group therapy while admitted was associated with lower risk of relapse. Inpatient mental health services saw substantial disruptions across the cohort. Inpatient mental health services, including group therapy, may be an important tool to prevent subsequent relapse.

Health care utilization in very advanced ages: A study on predisposing, enabling and need factors

This study aims to examine the effects of predisposing, enabling, and need factors on healthcare utilization in advanced age. Data from a sample of 270 Portuguese community-dwelling persons aged ≥80 years was used. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and included the application of a research protocol addressing a set of sociodemographic and health-related variables that expressed the Andersen Behavioral model (i.e., predisposing, enabling, and need factors). Predictors of visits to general practitioners (GP) and specialist physicians, as well as emergency department (ED) use and hospitalizations were investigated. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyzes were used to model the effects of predictor factors specified in the Andersen Behavioral model. Our findings underscore that younger age and having multimorbidity were significantly associated with having GP visits. Specialist physician visits were associated with younger age and a higher number of daily medications. ED use was associated with being male, having formal social support and a higher number of daily medications. Hospitalizations were associated with being younger, being male and having multimorbidity. Our findings revealed that need and predisposing factors determined the most healthcare use.

A randomized trial of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless persons with high use of publicly funded services

Objective

To examine whether randomization to permanent supportive housing (PSH) versus usual care reduces the use of acute health care and other services among chronically homeless high users of county‐funded services.

Data Sources

Between 2015 and 2019, we assessed service use from Santa Clara County, CA, administrative claims data for all county‐funded health care, jail and shelter, and mortality.

Study Design

We conducted a randomized controlled trial among chronically homeless high users of multiple systems. We compared postrandomization outcomes from county‐funded systems using multivariate regression analysis.

Data Collection

We extracted encounter data from an integrated database capturing health care at county‐funded facilities, shelter and jails, county housing placement, and death certificates.

Principal Findings

We enrolled 423 participants (199 intervention; 224 control). Eighty‐six percent of those randomized to PSH received housing compared with 36 percent in usual care. On average, the 169 individuals housed by the PSH intervention have remained housed for 28.8 months (92.9 percent of the study follow‐up period). Intervention group members had lower rates of psychiatric ED visits IRR 0.62; 95% CI [0.43, 0.91] and shelter days IRR 0.30; 95% CI [0.17, 0.53], and higher rates of ambulatory mental health services use IRR 1.84; 95% CI [1.43, 2.37] compared to controls. We found no differences in total ED or inpatient use, or jail. Seventy (37 treatment; 33 control) participants died.

Conclusions

The intervention placed and retained frequent user, chronically homeless individuals in housing. It decreased psychiatric ED visits and shelter use, and increased outpatient mental health care, but not medical ED visits or hospitalizations. Limitations included more than one‐third of usual care participants received another form of subsidized housing, potentially biasing results to the null, and loss of power due to high death rates. PSH can house high‐risk individuals and reduce emergent psychiatric services and shelter use. Reductions in hospitalizations may be more difficult to realize.

Factors Related to 30-day Readmission following Hospitalization for Any Medical Reason among Patients with Mental Disorders: Facteurs liés à la réhospitalisation à 30 jours suivant une hospitalisation pour une raison médicale chez des patients souffrant de troubles mentaux

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the contributions of clinical, sociodemographic, and service use variables to the risk of early readmission, defined as readmission within 30 days of discharge following hospitalization for any medical reason (mental or physical illnesses), among patients with mental disorders in Quebec (Canada).

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, 2,954 hospitalized patients who had visited 1 of 6 Quebec emergency departments (ED) in 2014 to 2015 (index year) were identified through clinical administrative databanks. The first hospitalization was considered that may have occurred at any Quebec hospital. Data collected between 2012 and 2013 and 2013 and 2014 on clinical, sociodemographic, and service use variables were assessed as related to readmission/no readmission within 30 days of discharge using hierarchical binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Patients with co-occurring substance-related disorders/chronic physical illnesses, serious mental disorders, or adjustment disorders (clinical variables); 4+ outpatient psychiatric consultations with the same psychiatrist; and patients hospitalized for any medical reason within 12 months prior to index hospitalization (service use variables) were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Patients who made 1 to 3 ED visits within 1 year prior to the index hospitalization, had their index hospitalization stay of 16 to 29 days, or consulted a physician for any medical reason within 30 days after discharge or prior to the readmission (service use variables) were less likely to be rehospitalized.

CONCLUSIONS

Early hospital readmission was more strongly associated with clinical variables, followed by service use variables, both playing a key role in preventing early readmission. Results suggest the importance of developing specific interventions for patients at high risk of readmission such as better discharge planning, integrated and collaborative care, and case management. Overall, better access to services and continuity of care before and after hospital discharge should be provided to prevent early hospital readmission.

Typology of patients who use emergency departments for mental and substance use disorders

BACKGROUND

Identifying profiles of people with mental and substance use disorders who use emergency departments may help guide the development of interventions more appropriate to their particular characteristics and needs.

AIMS

To develop a typology for the frequency of visits to the emergency department for mental health reasons based on the Andersen model.

METHOD

Questionnaires were completed by patients who attended an emergency department (n = 320), recruited in Quebec (Canada), and administrative data were obtained related to sociodemographic/socioeconomic characteristics, mental health diagnoses including alcohol and drug use, and emergency department and mental health service utilization. A cluster analysis was performed, identifying needs, predisposing and enabling factors that differentiated subclasses of participants according to frequency of emergency department visits for mental health reasons.

RESULTS

Four classes were identified. Class 1 comprised individuals with moderate emergency department use and low use of other health services; mostly young, economically disadvantaged males with substance use disorders. Class 2 comprised individuals with high emergency department and specialized health service use, with multiple mental and substance use disorders. Class 3 comprised middle-aged, economically advantaged females with common mental disorders, who made moderate use of emergency departments but consulted general practitioners. Class 4 comprised older individuals with multiple chronic physical illnesses co-occurring with mental disorders, who made moderate use of the emergency department, but mainly consulted general practitioners.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found heterogeneity in emergency department use for mental health reasons, as each of the four classes represented distinct needs, predisposing and enabling factors. As such, interventions should be tailored to different classes of patients who use emergency departments, based on their characteristics.

Current emergency response in montreal: How does it fit in the services offered to homeless people who use substances?

Background This paper presents an assessment of the current emergency response to homeless people who use substances in Montreal, a major North American city. This project addresses the rising concern about homelessness in high-income countries. Several studies have shown that homeless people frequently use emergency services (i.e., police, paramedical, and hospital), especially in the context of substance use. Yet, the key actors' perspectives are poorly documented. Method Our team conducted a needs analysis using a deliberative democratic evaluation. Data collection strategies included an intersectoral World Café (n = 34, including police, specialized professionals, community stakeholders, political representatives, researchers, and people who have been homeless) and individual interviews with health professionals (n = 5) and homeless people (n = 8). We performed a thematic content analysis based on a conceptual framework of access to health care and of collaboration. Findings This study provided key information on the role of emergency services and the needs of key actors, in terms of the dimensions of access to health care (approachability, acceptability, availability, and appropriateness) and continuity. Our main results show that, according to the participants, the emergency response is relevant when homeless people are a danger to themselves or to others, and during episodes of acute physical and psychological care. However, emergency service providers still stigmatize homelessness and substance use, which negatively affects intervention quality. Finally, our main results highlight the interdependence between the emergency services and health, social, and community services. Conclusion The emergency response is necessary and appropriate in some situations. It remains important to intervene upstream and to improve the attitudes and practices of emergency service providers. Finally, it is necessary to adapt services to the needs of homeless substance users and improve service continuity, for example, by adopting a population-based approach.

Professionals' Perspective on Needs of Persons Who Frequently Use Psychiatric Emergency Services

This study explores how professionals experience persons who frequently use psychiatric emergency services (PES) in terms of their needs in Sweden. The data comprise 19 semi-structured individual interviews and one focus group interview with healthcare professionals (i.e., assistant nurses, psychiatric nurses, intern physicians, and resident physicians), which are analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The overall findings suggest that persons who frequently use PES suffer from illness, unfavorable life circumstances, and inadequate care, which together emphasize the need for more sustainable support. The findings indicate that the professionals saw beyond illness-related needs and could also acknowledge patients' needs originating from social, existential, and care- and support-related aspects of life.

Predictors of Emergency Department Use among Individuals with Current or Previous Experience of Homelessness

This study assessed the contributions of predisposing, enabling, and needs factors in predicting emergency department (ED) use among 270 individuals with current or previous experience of homelessness. Participants were recruited from three different types of housing (shelter, temporary housing and permanent housing) in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). They were interviewed at baseline (T0), and again 12 months after recruitment (T1). Longitudinal data analyses were conducted on associations between a set of baseline predictors (T0) with the dependent variable (ED users vs. non-users) from T1. Predictors were identified according to the Gelberg-Andersen Behavioral Model. Findings revealed two needs factors associated with ED use: having a substance use disorder (SUD) and low perceived physical health. Two enabling factors, use of ambulatory specialized services and stigma, were also related to ED use. No predisposing factors were retained in the model, and ED use was not associated with type of housing. Improvements are needed in SUD and physical health management in order to reduce ED use, as well as interventions aimed at stigma prevention for this vulnerable population.

Factors associated with emergency department use for mental health reasons among low, moderate and high users

OBJECTIVES

This study identified factors associated with frequency of emergency department (ED) use for mental health (MH) reasons in Quebec during 2015-2016.

METHODS

Participants (n = 115,066) were categorized as: 1) low (1 visit/year; 76%); 2) moderate (2 visits/year; 14%); and 3) high (3+ visits/year; 10%) ED users. Independent variables included predisposing, enabling and needs factors based on the Andersen Behavioral Model. Variables significantly associated with frequency of ED use were entered into a multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS

Patients with mental illness (MI), especially substance-related disorders (SRD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders; bipolar, depressive, anxiety or personality disorders; and those with severe chronic physical illness (needs factors) were more likely to use ED for MH reasons, as were male participants 18-64 years old, and those living in metropolitan areas with high social or material deprivation (predisposing factors). Regarding enabling factors, consultations with outpatient psychiatrists and not seeing a general practitioner (GP) in the year prior to ED visit were associated with high ED use.

CONCLUSION

The severity of MI/SRD contributed most to frequent ED use, while social and material deprivation in metropolitan areas, and intensity of medical care also influenced ED use for MH reasons.

Statistical tools used for analyses of frequent users of emergency department: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Frequent users represent a small proportion of emergency department users, but they account for a disproportionately large number of visits. Their use of emergency departments is often considered suboptimal. It would be more efficient to identify and treat those patients earlier in their health problem trajectory. It is therefore essential to describe their characteristics and to predict their emergency department use. In order to do so, adequate statistical tools are needed. The objective of this study was to determine the statistical tools used in identifying variables associated with frequent use or predicting the risk of becoming a frequent user.

METHODS

We performed a scoping review following an established 5-stage methodological framework. We searched PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL databases in February 2019 using search strategies defined with the help of an information specialist. Out of 4534 potential abstracts, we selected 114 articles based on defined criteria and presented in a content analysis.

RESULTS

We identified four classes of statistical tools. Regression models were found to be the most common practice, followed by hypothesis testing. The logistic regression was found to be the most used statistical tool, followed by χ2 test and t-test of associations between variables. Other tools were marginally used.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review lists common statistical tools used for analysing frequent users in emergency departments. It highlights the fact that some are well established while others are much less so. More research is needed to apply appropriate techniques to health data or to diversify statistical point of views.

Utilization Outcomes of a Pilot Primary Care Team Redesign

Objectives:

To evaluate the effect of a team-based primary care redesign on primary care, emergency department (ED) and urgent care (UC) utilization, and new patient access to primary care.

Study Design:

A retrospective pre–post difference-in-differences analysis of utilization outcomes for patients on a redesigned primary care team compared to a standard primary care group.

Methods:

Within a patient-centered medical home, a pilot team was developed comprising 2 colocated “teamlets” of 1 physician, 1 nurse practitioner (NP), 1 registered nurse (RN), and 2 licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The redesigned team utilized physician–NP comanagement, expanded roles for RNs and LPNs, and dedicated provider time for telephone and e-mail medicine. We compared changes in number of office, ED, and UC visits during the implementation year for patients on the redesigned team compared to patients receiving the standard of care in the same clinic. Proportion of new patient visits was also compared between the pilot and the control groups.

Results:

There were no differences between the redesign group and control group in per-patient mean change in office visits (Δ = −0.04 visits vs Δ = −0.07; P = .98), ED visits (Δ = 0.00 vs Δ = 0.01; P = .25), or UC visits (Δ = 0.00 vs Δ = 0.05; P = .08). Proportion of new patient visits was higher in the pilot group during the intervention year compared to the control group (6.6% vs 3.9%; P < .0001).

Conclusions:

The redesign did not significantly impact ED, UC, or primary care utilization within 1 year of follow-up. It did improve access for new patients.