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Koh J, Dowlatshahi S, Turner BJ. Transitioning from the Emergency Department to a General Internist Outpatient Clinic for Paracentesis: A Qualitative Inquiry. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:2324-2332. [PMID: 38700627 PMCID: PMC11258186 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08358-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated paracentesis for ascites can place significant demands on the emergency department (ED). A new general internist-led outpatient procedure clinic to alleviate this demand required ED staff and patients to accept this transition of care. AIM This qualitative study evaluates barriers and facilitators to implementing the FLuid ASPiration (FLASP) clinic in a safety net hospital. METHODS The FLASP clinic opened during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021. From February to April 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with: 10 ED physicians and nurses; 5 FLASP clinic patients; and 4 patients receiving paracentesis in the ED. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach for themes categorized by Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) domains including: attitudes/knowledge; social norms; and logistics. RESULTS Thematic analysis found that ED staff appreciated reduced demand for paracentesis, but barriers included: lack of knowledge; concerns about unstable patients and patient expectations (norms); and scheduling logistics. FLASP clinic patients had only favorable themes: belief in clinic safety; positive relationship with staff; and clinic efficiency. Patients using the ED for paracentesis expressed only concerns: possible need for testing or hospitalization; care usually in the ED; and unclear clinic scheduling. CONCLUSION This study reveals challenges to transitioning sites of care for paracentesis including the need for greater ED staff education and standardizing methods to triage patients to appropriate site of care. Greater support and education of ED patients about the benefits of an outpatient procedure clinic may also reduce ED burden for paracentesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Koh
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Shadi Dowlatshahi
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Los Angeles General Medical Center, 2051 Marengo St, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Barbara J Turner
- Department of Medicine, Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Gehr Family Center for Health System Science and Innovation, Clinical Sciences Center, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 2250 Alcazar Street Room #261, 2020 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Parvataneni S, Sarkis Y, Haugh M, Baker B, Tang Q, Nephew LD, Ghabril MS, Chalasani NP, Vuppalanchi R, Orman ES, Harrison NE, Desai AP. A Comprehensive Evaluation of Emergency Department Utilization by Patients With Cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2024:00000434-990000000-01201. [PMID: 38912688 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emergency department (ED)-based care is required for cirrhosis management, yet the burden of cirrhosis-related ED healthcare utilization is understudied. We aimed to describe ED utilization within a statewide health system and compare the outcomes of high ED use (HEDU) vs non-HEDU in individuals with cirrhosis. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed charts of adults with cirrhosis who presented to any of 16 EDs within the Indiana University Health system in 2021. Patient characteristics, features of the initial ED visit, subsequent 90-day healthcare use, and 360-day outcomes were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors HEDU status which was defined as ≥2 ED visits within 90 days after the index ED visit. RESULTS There were 2,124 eligible patients (mean age 61.3 years, 53% male, and 91% White). Major etiologies of cirrhosis were alcohol (38%), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (27%), and viral hepatitis (21%). Cirrhosis was newly diagnosed in the ED visit for 18.4%. Most common reasons for ED visits were abdominal pain (21%), shortness of breath (19%), and ascites/volume overload (16%). Of the initial ED visits, 20% (n = 424) were potentially avoidable. The overall 90-day mortality was 16%. Within 90 days, there were 366 HEDU (20%). Notable variables independently associated with HEDU were model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.044, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005-1.085), prior ED encounter (aOR 1.520, 95% CI 1.136-2.034), and avoidable initial ED visit (aOR 1.938, 95% CI 1.014-3.703). DISCUSSION Abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and ascites/fluid overload are the common presenting reasons for ED visits for patients with cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis presenting to the ED experience a 90-day mortality rate of 16%, and among those who initially visited the ED, 20% were HEDU. We identified several variables independently associated with HEDU. Our observations pave the way for developing interventions to optimize the care of patients with cirrhosis presenting to the ED and to lower repeated ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha Parvataneni
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Yara Sarkis
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Michelle Haugh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Brittany Baker
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Qing Tang
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lauren D Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marwan S Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Naga P Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Raj Vuppalanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric S Orman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Archita P Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Volk ML. Innovations in health care delivery for patients with cirrhosis. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00847. [PMID: 38626345 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Volk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Central Texas, 2401 S 31st St, Temple, Texas, USA
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Ge J, Buenaventura A, Berrean B, Purvis J, Fontil V, Lai JC, Pletcher MJ. Applying human-centered design to the construction of a cirrhosis management clinical decision support system. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0394. [PMID: 38407255 PMCID: PMC10898661 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic health record (EHR)-based clinical decision support is a scalable way to help standardize clinical care. Clinical decision support systems have not been extensively investigated in cirrhosis management. Human-centered design (HCD) is an approach that engages with potential users in intervention development. In this study, we applied HCD to design the features and interface for a clinical decision support system for cirrhosis management, called CirrhosisRx. METHODS We conducted technical feasibility assessments to construct a visual blueprint that outlines the basic features of the interface. We then convened collaborative-design workshops with generalist and specialist clinicians. We elicited current workflows for cirrhosis management, assessed gaps in existing EHR systems, evaluated potential features, and refined the design prototype for CirrhosisRx. At the conclusion of each workshop, we analyzed recordings and transcripts. RESULTS Workshop feedback showed that the aggregation of relevant clinical data into 6 cirrhosis decompensation domains (defined as common inpatient clinical scenarios) was the most important feature. Automatic inference of clinical events from EHR data, such as gastrointestinal bleeding from hemoglobin changes, was not accepted due to accuracy concerns. Visualizations for risk stratification scores were deemed not necessary. Lastly, the HCD co-design workshops allowed us to identify the target user population (generalists). CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first applications of HCD to design the features and interface for an electronic intervention for cirrhosis management. The HCD process altered features, modified the design interface, and likely improved CirrhosisRx's overall usability. The finalized design for CirrhosisRx proceeded to development and production and will be tested for effectiveness in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. This work provides a model for the creation of other EHR-based interventions in hepatology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ana Buenaventura
- School of Medicine Technology Services, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Beth Berrean
- School of Medicine Technology Services, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jory Purvis
- School of Medicine Technology Services, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Valy Fontil
- Family Health Centers, NYU-Langone Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark J. Pletcher
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California—San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Koh J, Dowlatshahi S, Turner BJ. Transitioning from the Emergency Department to a General Internist Outpatient Clinic for Paracentesis: A Qualitative. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3793244. [PMID: 38234824 PMCID: PMC10793502 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3793244/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Repeated paracentesis for ascites can place significant demands on the emergency department (ED). A new general internist-led outpatient procedure clinic to alleviate this demand required ED staff and patients to accept this transition of care. Aim This qualitative study evaluates barriers and facilitators to implementing the FLuid ASPiration (FLASP) clinic in a safety net hospital. Methods The FLASP clinic opened during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2021. From February to April 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with: 10 ED physicians and nurses; 5 FLASP clinic patients; and 4 patients receiving paracentesis in the ED. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a Grounded Theory approach for themes categorized by Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) domains including: attitudes/knowledge; social norms; and logistics. Results Thematic analysis found that ED staff appreciated reduced demand for paracentesis, but barriers included: lack of knowledge; concerns about unstable patients and patient expectations (norms); and scheduling logistics. FLASP clinic patients had only favorable themes: belief in clinic safety; positive relationship with staff; and clinic efficiency. Patients using the ED for paracentesis expressed only concerns: possible need for testing or hospitalization; care usually in the ED; and unclear clinic scheduling. Conclusion This study reveals challenges to transitioning sites of care for paracentesis including the need for greater ED staff education and standardizing methods to triage patients to appropriate site of care. Greater support and education of ED patients about the benefits of an outpatient procedure clinic may also reduce ED burden for paracentesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Koh
- Keck Medical Center of University of Southern California
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Ge J, Fontil V, Ackerman S, Pletcher MJ, Lai JC. Clinical decision support and electronic interventions to improve care quality in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00546. [PMID: 37611253 PMCID: PMC10998693 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Significant quality gaps exist in the management of chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. Clinical decision support systems-information-driven tools based in and launched from the electronic health record-are attractive and potentially scalable prospective interventions that could help standardize clinical care in hepatology. Yet, clinical decision support systems have had a mixed record in clinical medicine due to issues with interoperability and compatibility with clinical workflows. In this review, we discuss the conceptual origins of clinical decision support systems, existing applications in liver diseases, issues and challenges with implementation, and emerging strategies to improve their integration in hepatology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ge
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Valy Fontil
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Family Health Centers at NYU-Langone Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Sara Ackerman
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mark J. Pletcher
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California – San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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