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McHugh MC, Muschong KM, Bradley SM, Lo AX. Perspectives from persons living with dementia and their caregivers on emergency department visits, care transitions, and outpatient follow-up: A qualitative study. Acad Emerg Med 2024; 31:767-776. [PMID: 38590030 PMCID: PMC11335454 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons living with dementia (PLWD) experience frequent and costly emergency department (ED) visits, with poor outcomes attributed to suboptimal care and postdischarge care transitions. Yet, patient-centered data on ED care experiences and postdischarge needs are lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the facilitators and barriers to successful ED care and care transitions after discharge, according to PLWD and their caregivers. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study involving ED patients ages 65 and older with confirmed or suspected dementia and their caregivers. The semistructured interview protocol followed the National Quality Forum's ED Transitions of Care Framework and addressed ED care, care transitions, and outpatient follow-up care. Interviews were conducted during an ED visit at an urban, academic ED. Traditional thematic analysis was used to identify themes. RESULTS We interviewed 11 patients and 19 caregivers. Caregivers were more forthcoming than patients about facilitators and challenges experienced. Characteristics of the patients' condition (e.g., resistance to care, forgetfulness), the availability of family resources (e.g., caregiver availability, primary care access), and system-level factors (e.g., availability of timely appointments, hospital policies tailored to persons with dementia) served as facilitators and barriers to successful care. Some resources that would ameliorate care transition barriers could be easily provided in the ED, for example, offering clear discharge instructions and care coordination services and improving patient communication regarding disposition timeline. Other interventions would require investment from other parts of the health care system (e.g., respite for caregivers, broader insurance coverage). CONCLUSIONS ED care and care transitions for PLWD are suboptimal, and patient-level factors may exacerbate existing system-level deficiencies. Insight from patients and their caregivers may inform the development of ED interventions to design specialized care for this patient population. This qualitative study also demonstrated the feasibility of conducting ED-based studies on PLWD during their ED visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan C McHugh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kayla M Muschong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sara M Bradley
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexander X Lo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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2
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Lee S, Frediani G, Lund BC, Kennelty K, Jeffery MM, Carnahan RM. A Nationwide Emergency Department Data Analysis to Predict Beers List Medications Use Among Older Adults. J Emerg Med 2024; 66:e704-e713. [PMID: 38734547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2024.03.002] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is considered an important quality indicator for older adults seen in the ambulatory care setting. STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the pattern of potentially inappropriate medication (PIMs) use as specified in the Beers Criteria, for older adults during emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. METHODS Using data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey (NHAMCS) we identified older adults (age 65 or older) discharged home from an ED visit in 2019. We defined PIMs as those with an 'avoid' recommendation under the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) 2019 Beers Criteria in older adults. Logistic regression models were used to assess demographic, clinical, and hospital factors associated with the use of any PIMs upon ED discharge. RESULTS Overall, 5.9% of visits by older adults discharged from the ED included administration or prescriptions for PIMs. Among those who received any PIMs, 25.5% received benzodiazepines, 42.5 % received anticholinergics, 1.4% received nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics, and 0.5% received barbiturates. A multivariable model showed statistically significant associations for age 65 to 74 (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.39-2.62 vs. age >=75), dementia (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.95), lower immediacy (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.56-3.84 vs. higher immediacy), and Northeastern rural region (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21-0.55 vs. Midwestern rural). CONCLUSION We found that younger age and lower immediacy were associated with increased prescriptions of PIMs for older adults seen, while dementia and Northeastern rural region was associated with reduced use of PIMs seen and discharged from EDs in United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangil Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
| | - Gabrielle Frediani
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Brian C Lund
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation and Department of Pharmacy Practice, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Korey Kennelty
- Division of Health Service Research, College of Pharmacy, Department of Family Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Molly Moore Jeffery
- Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Division of Health Care Delivery Research and Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ryan M Carnahan
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
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Jones AE, Kennedy M, Hayden EM, Ouchi K, N Shankar K, Chary A, Li A, Loughlin KM, White B, Franco-Garcia E, Dellheim V, Liu SW. A protocol to determine the acceptability and feasibility of a pilot intervention emergency department virtual observation unit fall prevention program. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:79. [PMID: 38762531 PMCID: PMC11102199 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01502-7] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a third of all community dwellers aged 65+ fall each year, falls are common reasons for older adults to present to an Emergency Department (ED). Although EDs should assess patients' multifactorial fall risks to prevent future fall-related injuries, this frequently does not occur. We describe our protocol to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of a pilot ED Virtual Observation Unit (VOU) Falls program. METHODS To ensure standardized conduct and reporting, the Standard Protocol Items for Intervention Trials (SPIRIT) guidelines will be used. The VOU is a program where patients are sent home from the ED but are part of a virtual observation unit in that they can call on-call ED physicians while they are being treated for conditions such as cellulitis, congestive heart failure, or pneumonia. A paramedic conducts daily visits with the patient and facilitates a telemedicine consult with an ED physician. VOU nursing staff conduct daily assessments of patients via telemedicine. The ED VOU Falls program is one of the VOU pathways and is a multi-component fall prevention program for fall patients who present after an ED visit. The paramedic conducts a home safety evaluation, a Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). During the VOU visit, the ED physician conducts a telemedicine visit, while the paramedic is visiting the home, to review patients' fall-risk-increasing drugs and their TUG test. We will determine feasibility by calculating rates of patient enrollment refusal, and adherence to fall-risk prevention recommendations using information from 3-month follow-up telephone calls, as well as qualitative interviews with the paramedics. We will determine the acceptability of the ED VOU Falls program based on patient and provider surveys using a Likert scale. We will ask VOU nursing staff to report any safety issues encountered while the patient is in the ED VOU Falls program (e.g., tripping hazards). We will use the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, Student's t-test for continuous variables, and Mann-Whitney for nonparametric data. We will review interview transcripts and generate codes. Codes will then be extracted and organized into concepts to generate an overall theme following grounded theory methods. This is a pilot study; hence, results cannot be extrapolated. However, a definite trial would be the next step in the future to determine if such a program could be implemented as part of fall prevention interventions. DISCUSSION This study will provide insights into the feasibility and acceptability of a novel ED VOU Falls program with the aim of ultimately decreasing falls. In the future, such a program could be implemented as part of fall prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail E Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Maura Kennedy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily M Hayden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kei Ouchi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Kalpana N Shankar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Anita Chary
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Medicine, Section of Health Services Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Angel Li
- Valley Health System, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | - Benjamin White
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Esteban Franco-Garcia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | | | - Shan W Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Melady D, Schumacher JG. Developing a Geriatric Emergency Department: People, Processes, and Place. Clin Geriatr Med 2023; 39:647-658. [PMID: 37798070 DOI: 10.1016/j.cger.2023.05.008] [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] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Older patients' ED visits rose 30% over 5 years and EDs are now examining geriatric emergency department (GED) models of care. The 3 Ps model focuses on the GED's People, Processes, and the Place to provide a framework for GED development. Key resources include the: GED Collaborative, GED Guidelines, and Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation process. Core to a GED's operation is its care processes including: (1) General approaches; (2) Screening for high-risk conditions; (3) Enhanced assessment; (4) Workflow alterations; and (5) Transitions. This article provides practical guidance to EDs seeking to enhance the ED experience of older people and improve the quality of their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don Melady
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada; Schwartz-Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - John G Schumacher
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 104 Fairfield Drive, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Baltimore, MD, USA
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Gagliano M, Bula CJ, Seematter-Bagnoud L, Michalski-Monnerat C, Nguyen S, Carron PN, Mabire C. Older patients referred for geriatric consultation in the emergency department: characteristics and healthcare utilization. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:642. [PMID: 37817072 PMCID: PMC10565963 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is difficult to perform in the emergency department (ED) environment and performance of screening tools in identifying vulnerable older ED patients who are best candidates for a geriatric consultation remain questionable. AIM To determine the characteristics of older patients referred for a geriatric consultation by ED staff and to investigate these patients' subsequent healthcare utilization. METHODS Secondary analysis of data previously collected for a prospective observational study of patients aged 75 + years visiting the ED of an academic hospital in Switzerland over four months (Michalski-Monnerat et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 68(12):2914-20, 2020). Socio-demographic, health, functional (basic activities of daily living; BADL), cognitive, and affective status data were collected at admission by a research nurse using a standardized brief geriatric assessment. Information on geriatric consultations, hospitalization, discharge destination, and 30-day readmission were retrieved from hospital database. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed using this data set collected previously. RESULTS Thirty-two (15.8%) of the 202 enrolled patients were referred for a geriatric consultation. Compared to the others, they were older (84.9 ± 5.4 vs 82.9 ± 5.4 years, p = .03), more impaired in BADL (4.8 ± 1.6 vs 5.5 ± 1.0, p = .01), with more comorbid conditions (5.3 ± 1.5 vs 4.5 ± 1.9, p = .03), more frequently admitted after a fall (43.7% vs 19.4%, p = .01), and hospitalized over the previous 6-month period (53.1% vs 30.6%, p = .02). Multivariable analyses that adjusted for variables significantly associated with outcomes in bivariable analysis found that being admitted after a fall (AdjOR 4.0, 95%CI 1.7-9.4, p < .01) and previously hospitalized (AdjOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.2-6.2, p = .02) remained associated with increased odds of consultation, whereas the inverse association with BADL performance remained (AdjOR 0.7, 95%CI 0.5-0.9, p = .01). Patients referred for geriatric consultation had higher odds of hospitalization (84.4% vs 49.4%; AdjOR 5.9, 95%CI 2.1-16.8, p < .01), but similar odds of home discharge when admitted, and of 30-day readmission. CONCLUSION About one in six older ED patients were referred for a geriatric consultation who appeared to be those most vulnerable, as suggested by their increased hospitalization rate. Alternative strategies are needed to enhance access to geriatric consultation in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Gagliano
- Service of Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin de Mont Paisible 16, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland.
- Department of Geriatrics, Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Neuchâtel Hospital Network, Rue du Chasseral 20, La Chaux-de-Fonds, CH-2300, Switzerland.
| | - Christophe J Bula
- Service of Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin de Mont Paisible 16, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Seematter-Bagnoud
- Service of Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin de Mont Paisible 16, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, CH-1010, Switzerland
| | - Carole Michalski-Monnerat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Neuchâtel Hospital Network, Rue de la Maladière 45, Neuchâtel, CH-2000, Switzerland
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare-IUFRS, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, CH-1010, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Nguyen
- Service of Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Chemin de Mont Paisible 16, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Nicolas Carron
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Mabire
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare-IUFRS, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, Lausanne, CH-1010, Switzerland
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Fulbrook P, Miles SJ, McCann B, Steele M. A short multi-factor screening tool to assess falls-risk in older people presenting to an Australian emergency department: A feasibility study. Int Emerg Nurs 2023; 70:101335. [PMID: 37659216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate use of a short multi-factor falls-risk screening tool for older people within the emergency department, to enable rapid identification of falls-risk and triggers for multidisciplinary referral for further falls-specific assessment. METHODS Older people, aged ≥70 years, presenting to the emergency department with a fall-related injury or disease (n = 137) were recruited by a research nurse following randomisation. A short multi-factor screening tool was completed, comprised of 14 falls-risk-related assessment components. RESULTS Only one participant did not generate any referrals. Participants generated most referrals for medications (85.4%), social and housing (84.6%), vision (67.2%), podiatry (66.9%), or function and mobility (54.7%). Based on our results, the screening tool could be reduced to eleven components. The median time-to-screen was 11 min (IQR 9-15), with 736 triggers generated for referral and further assessment of falls-risk. CONCLUSION Falls are a major cause of ED presentation for older people. A short multi-factor screening tool with eleven components could be adapted to local familiar falls-risk tools and be completed in less than 10 min. Further research to trial the feasibility of completing ED referrals based on screening results is required to confirm the usefulness of such screening and referral within the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Fulbrook
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia; Nursing Research and Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Sandra J Miles
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia; Nursing Research and Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Bridie McCann
- Nursing and Midwifery Informatics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Michael Steele
- Nursing Research and Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia.
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7
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Hwang U, Runels T, Han L, Gruber E, McQuown CM, Ragsdale L, Jetter E, Rossomano N, Javier D. Dissemination and implementation of age-friendly care and geriatric emergency department accreditation at Veterans Affairs hospitals. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:270-277. [PMID: 36653961 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2018, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) and the National Emergency Medicine (EM) Program partnered to improve emergency care for older Veterans. A core team disseminated age-friendly models of care via education and standardization of practice with the goal of multisite geriatric emergency department (GED) accreditation. We compare rates of GED screening at VAs with GED implementation to those without. METHODS Observational evaluation of GED screening of older Veterans (≥65 years) at VA Emergency Departments (ED) from January 2018 to March 2022, during peak pandemic years. Data were extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse of Veteran ED visit encounters to track documented GED screens and Veteran demographic data. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare screening completion across different levels of GED accreditation, adjusting for potential confounding. RESULTS During this period, over 1.07 million Veterans ≥ 65 years of age made 4.07 million VA ED visits. Mean (±SD) age was 73.4 (±7.2) years, 96.5% were male, 68% were White, and 89.9% made their index ED visit at a non-GED VA ED. As of early 2022, a total of 50 of 111 VA EDs have achieved or applied for GED accreditation. During early 2022, 8.3% of all visits by older Veterans had at least one GED screen documented; 15% were screened at Levels 1-3 GED versus 2.2% at non-GED facilities. Screens identifying older adults at risk for poor outcomes, for delirium, and for falls had the highest usage rates within VA GEDs. Veterans seen at Level 1 GEDs had a 76-fold greater odds of having a GED screen than at Level 3 GEDs (odds ratio 75.8, 95% confidence interval 72.8-79.0). CONCLUSIONS Through VA National Office of GEC and EM Program partnership, the VA has created, standardized, and disseminated a GED Model of Care, despite the pandemic. GED accreditation was associated with GED screen implementation, with Level 1 having the highest screening prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Hwang
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tessa Runels
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Ling Han
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erica Gruber
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Colleen M McQuown
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Luna Ragsdale
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Hospital, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ethan Jetter
- Veteran Affairs National Emergency Medicine Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicole Rossomano
- Veteran Affairs National Emergency Medicine Office, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Denise Javier
- Veteran Affairs National Emergency Medicine Office, Washington, DC, USA
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Lee S, Bobb Swanson M, Fillman A, Carnahan RM, Seaman AT, Reisinger HS. Challenges and opportunities in creating a deprescribing program in the emergency department: A qualitative study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:62-76. [PMID: 36258309 PMCID: PMC10092723 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18047] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the population of older adults increases, appropriate deprescribing becomes increasingly important for emergency geriatric care. Older adults represent the sickest patients with chronic medical conditions, and they are often exposed to high-risk medications. We need to provide an evidence-based, standardized deprescribing program in the acute care setting, yet the evidence base is lacking and standardized medication programs are needed. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study with the goal to understand the perspective of healthcare workers, patients, and caregivers on deprescribing high-risk medications in the context of emergency care practices, provider preferences, and practice variability, along with the facilitators and barriers to an effective deprescribing program in the emergency department (ED). To ensure rich, contextual data, the study utilized two qualitative methods: (1) a focus group with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacists, and geriatricians involved in care of older adults and their prescriptions in the acute care setting; (2) semi-structured interviews with patients and caregivers involved in treatment and emergency care. Transcriptions were coded using thematic content analysis, and the principal investigator (S.L.) and trained research staff categorized each code into themes. RESULTS Data collection from a focus group with healthcare workers (n = 8) and semi-structured interviews with patients and caregivers (n = 20) provided evidence of a potentially promising ED medication program, aligned with the vision of comprehensive care of older adults, that can be used to evaluate practices and develop interventions. We identified four themes: (1) Challenges in medication history taking, (2) missed opportunities in identifying high-risk medications, (3) facilitators and barriers to deprescribing recommendations, and (4) how to coordinate deprescribing recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Our focus group and semi-structured interviews resulted in a framework for an ED medication program to screen, identify, and deprescribe high-risk medications for older adults and coordinate their care with primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangil Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Morgan Bobb Swanson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Allison Fillman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Ryan M Carnahan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Aaron T Seaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Heather Schacht Reisinger
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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9
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Bilginer Ç, Yıldırım S, Törenek R, Özkaya AK. Patients with autism in the emergency department: cause of admissions and challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 69:710-716. [PMID: 37547546 PMCID: PMC10402859 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.2009996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to understand the presentations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients in a tertiary hospital's emergency department (ED) in Turkey, and the difficulties of families face in the ED. Method: Clinical characteristics of ASD patients who presented to the ED between 1 January 2015 and 15 November 2020 were obtained by retrospective file review. The caregivers of the patients who had presented to the ED in 2020 were interviewed by a phone call. Results: There were 740 applications of 224 patients (192 boys, 32 girls). Almost half of the patients were between 0 and 5 years old. Respiratory problems were the most common cause of admissions in all age groups. The second common reasons for ED visits were gastrointestinal problems in 0-5 years old, traumatic injuries/poisoning in 6-12 years old, and epilepsy/syncope in 13-17 years old. Psychiatric problems were less common (2.7%) than other reasons for admission. The most challenging issue for children was "the crowded waiting area, and the long waiting period" and followed by "physical restraint imposed on the child," "noise," and "bright light." Conclusion: As the clinicians' awareness and use of more accurate diagnostic tools have increased, the ASD prevalence has gradually increased. To increase the quality of healthcare services for these patients, awareness studies and new interventions are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çilem Bilginer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Selman Yıldırım
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Rümeysa Törenek
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Kağan Özkaya
- Department of Child Emergency, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
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10
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Mannenbach MS, Passe RL, Lovik KK, Larson EM, Laudon SM, Naeve A, Bellolio MF. Caring for Children With Autism in an Emergency Department Setting. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e977-e980. [PMID: 33170575 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays represent a unique patient population. We described a cohort of children with ASD cared for in an emergency department (ED) setting and the specific health care resources used for their care. METHODS This is an observational study of consecutive children (<18 years) with ASD presenting for ED care. Comparisons of interest were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank sum and χ2 tests. Odds ratios (ORs) are reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS There were 238 ED visits over a 9-month period among 175 children. Median age was 9 years, and 62% were male. Reasons for ED visit were medical (51%), psychiatric (18%), injury/assault/trauma (16%), neurological (11%), and procedure related (4%.)Children with psychiatric complaints had longer lengths of stay than those with other chief complaints (P < 0.0001; OR, 5.8; CI, 2.8-11.9) and were more likely to have urine (OR, 8.5; CI, 3.9-18.3) and blood work ordered (OR, 2.5; CI, 1.2-4.9) and less likely to have x-rays ordered (OR, 0.10; CI, 0.02-0.44).Eighteen (8%) children received sedation. None required physical restraint. A total of 30% were admitted to the hospital. Those with psychiatric complaints were more likely to be admitted (54.8% vs 24.5%; OR, 3.7; CI, 1.9-7.4) than those with other chief complaints. CONCLUSIONS The care for children with ASD varied with age and health care issues. There was a high prevalence of psychiatric complaints, and many of these children were boarded in the ED waiting for an inpatient psychiatric bed. Those with psychiatric complaints were more likely to have multiple tests ordered and were more likely to be admitted.
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Lee S, Angel C, Han JH. Succinct Approach to Delirium in the Emergency Department. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2021; 9:11-18. [PMID: 33758677 PMCID: PMC7971395 DOI: 10.1007/s40138-021-00226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This study aims to provide a concise delirium review for practicing emergency medicine providers using the Assess, Diagnose, Evaluate, Prevent, and Treat (ADEPT) framework. Recent Findings Delirium is a form of acute brain dysfunction that results in significant mortality and morbidity for older emergency department (ED) patients. Delirium is frequently missed by healthcare providers, but monitoring for this syndrome using brief delirium assessments may improve recognition. Once delirium is diagnosed, emergency medicine providers' primary goal is to perform a comprehensive history and physical examination to uncover the underlying etiology for delirium. This includes obtaining history from a collateral historian and obtaining an accurate medication history. If posssible, emergency physicians (EPs) should treat the medical etiology that precipitated the delirium. If agitated, non-pharmacologic interventions such that minimize the use of tethers are preferred. Pharmacologic agents such as antipsychotic medications should be used as a last resort. Summary Delirium is a common geriatric emergency and requires the EP to assess, diagnose, evaluate, prevent, and treat. Delirium is a key geriatric syndrome that geriatric ED providers should routinely screen for. A strong emphasis is on the widespread use of delirium screening, followed by prevention and treatment efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangil Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Clay Angel
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, CA USA
| | - Jin H. Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN USA
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12
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Lo AX, Heinemann AW, Gray E, Lindquist LA, Kocherginsky M, Post LA, Dresden SM. Inter-rater Reliability of Clinical Frailty Scores for Older Patients in the Emergency Department. Acad Emerg Med 2021; 28:110-113. [PMID: 32141671 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander X. Lo
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
- the Center for Health Services and Outcomes ResearchNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
| | - Allen W. Heinemann
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
- the Center for Health Services and Outcomes ResearchNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
- the Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
| | - Elizabeth Gray
- the Department of Preventive Medicine Division of BiostatisticsNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
| | - Lee A. Lindquist
- and the Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Department of Internal MedicineNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
| | - Masha Kocherginsky
- the Department of Preventive Medicine Division of BiostatisticsNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
| | - Lori A. Post
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
- Buehler Center for Health Policy and Economics Northwestern University Chicago IL
| | - Scott M. Dresden
- From the Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
- the Center for Health Services and Outcomes ResearchNorthwestern University ChicagoIL
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13
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Burkett E, Carpenter CR, Hullick C, Arendts G, Ouslander JG. It's time: Delivering optimal emergency care of residents of aged care facilities in the era of COVID-19. Emerg Med Australas 2020; 33:131-137. [PMID: 33131219 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Burkett
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Healthcare Improvement Unit, Clinical Excellence Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Carolyn Hullick
- Belmont Hospital, Belmont, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenn Arendts
- Emergency Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Joseph G Ouslander
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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14
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Implementation of a geriatric emergency department program using a novel workforce. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 46:703-707. [PMID: 33129647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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15
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Georgi N, Kuchenbuch M, Beuchee A, Pladys P, Carrault G. Smartphone-Based Clinical Pathways in Pediatrics: A Case Study. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2020; 2020:5661-5664. [PMID: 33019261 DOI: 10.1109/embc44109.2020.9176421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based medicine is a major evolution in the way medical practice and reasoning are structured. This approach aims at guiding patient care through rigorous, explicit and judicious evidences. In this contribution, we present the case study of the deployment of a smartphone-based system to manage clinical pathways and its impact during two years in the pediatric department of the university hospital of Rennes, France. We also tackle smartphone acceptability and easiness of use by pediatricians.
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Dahlstrom EB, Han JH, Healy H, Kennedy M, Arendts G, Lee J, Carpenter C, Lee S. Delirium prevention and treatment in the emergency department (ED): a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e037915. [PMID: 33028553 PMCID: PMC7539587 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delirium is a dangerous syndrome of acute brain dysfunction that is common in the emergency department (ED), especially among the geriatric population. Most systematic reviews of interventions for delirium prevention and treatment have focused on inpatient settings. Best practices of effective delirium care in ED settings have not been established. The primary objective of this study is to identify pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions as applied by physicians, nursing staff, pharmacists and other ED personnel to prevent incident delirium and to shorten the severity and duration of prevalent delirium in a geriatric population within the ED. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Searches using subject headings and keywords will be conducted from database inception through June 2020 in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PsychINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global and Cochrane CENTRAL as well as grey literature. Database searches will not be limited by date or language. Two reviewers will identify studies describing any interventions for delirium prevention and/or treatment in the ED. Disagreements will be settled by a third reviewer. Pooled data analysis will be performed where possible using Review Manager. Risk ratios and weighted difference of means will be used for incidence of delirium and other binary outcomes related to delirium, delirium severity or duration of symptoms, along with 95% CIs. Heterogeneity will be measured by calculating I2, and a forest plot will be created. If significant heterogeneity is identified, metaregression is planned using OpenMeta to identify possible sources of heterogeneity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This is a systematic review of previously conducted research; accordingly, it does not constitute human subjects research needing ethics review. This review will be prepared as a manuscript and submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed journal, and the results will be presented at conferences. PROSPERO TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020169654.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Blue Dahlstrom
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Jin Ho Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Heather Healy
- University of Iowa Libraries, University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Maura Kennedy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glenn Arendts
- The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacques Lee
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris Carpenter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sangil Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Michalski-Monnerat C, Carron PN, Nguyen S, Büla C, Mabire C. Assessing Older Patients' Vulnerability in the Emergency Department: A Study of InterRAI ED Screener Accuracy. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:2914-2920. [PMID: 32964415 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying vulnerable older patients admitted to an emergency department (ED) who are at increased risk for adverse events and require a comprehensive geriatric assessment remains a major challenge. The interRAI Emergency Department Screener (EDS) was developed for this specific purpose, but data regarding its validity are scarce. OBJECTIVES To determine (1) convergent validity of the EDS with results of a geriatrician's assessment in defining the need for prompt versus delayed/no further geriatric assessment and (2) predictive validity of the EDS for hospital admission, prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING ED of an academic hospital in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS Older patients, aged 75 years or older (N = 202), who visited the ED over a 4-month period. Patients with life-threatening conditions were excluded. MEASUREMENTS Data for EDS were collected by two clinical nurses. A brief geriatric assessment was performed separately and interpreted by a geriatrician blinded to the EDS results. Orientation after ED discharge, hospital LOS, and 30-day readmission were retrieved from the administrative database. RESULTS Participants were aged 83.2 ± 5.4 years, 56.9% were female, and 43.6% lived alone. Frequent findings at geriatric assessment were impairment in gait/balance (69.3%), polypharmacy (64.9%), cognitive impairment/delirium (48.2%), risk of malnutrition (46.0%), and mood impairment (38.1%). The proportions of participants who required prompt, delayed, and no further geriatric assessment, according to the EDS, were 27.2%, 29.2%, and 43.6%, respectively. The EDS had low sensitivity in predicting hospital admission (28.8%), prolonged LOS (26.3%), and 30-day readmission (26.1%), with the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC) being 51.8%, 48.1%, and 49.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION The EDS performed poorly in both convergent and predictive validity analyses, precluding its use as a screening tool in this ED environment. Further efforts should be undertaken to better target interventions to reduce adverse health trajectories in the older ED population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Michalski-Monnerat
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare-IUFRS, University of Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Neuchâtel Hospital Network, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Nicolas Carron
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Nguyen
- Service of Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Büla
- Service of Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Mabire
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare-IUFRS, University of Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Curran-Groome W, Klein G, Miller SB, Hui A, Wilson JS, Kuoiloi C, Masarapu V, Alabd A, Mascaro T, Logan G, Lubeck J. Risk Factors of Recurrent Falls Among Older Adults Admitted to the Trauma Surgery Department. Geriatr Orthop Surg Rehabil 2020; 11:2151459320943165. [PMID: 32782850 PMCID: PMC7385824 DOI: 10.1177/2151459320943165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Falls affect more than 29 million American adults ages ≥65 years annually. Many older adults experience recurrent falls requiring medical attention. These recurrent falls may be prevented through screening and intervention. In 2014 to 2015, records for 199 older adult patients admitted from a major urban teaching hospital's emergency department were queried. Open-ended variables from clinicians' notes were coded to supplement existing closed-ended variables. Of the 199 patients, 52 (26.1%) experienced one or more recurrent falls within 365 days after their initial fall. Half (50.0%) of all recurrent falls occurred within the first 90 days following discharge. A large proportion of recurrent falls among older adults appear to occur within a few months and are statistically related to identifiable risk factors. Prevention and intervention strategies, delivered either during treatment for an initial fall or upon discharge from an inpatient admission, may reduce the incidence of recurrent falls among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Curran-Groome
- Public Health Management Corporation, Research & Evaluation Group, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Gary Klein
- Public Health Management Corporation, Research & Evaluation Group, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Stanton B Miller
- Division of Acute Care Surgery/Trauma, Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Azor Hui
- Public Health Management Corporation, Research & Evaluation Group, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Jordan S Wilson
- Public Health Management Corporation, Research & Evaluation Group, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Chol Kuoiloi
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Venkata Masarapu
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andre Alabd
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Toni Mascaro
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gideon Logan
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Lubeck
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Jefferson Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Southerland LT, Stephens JA, Carpenter CR, Mion LC, Moffatt-Bruce SD, Zachman A, Hill M, Caterino JM. Study protocol for IMAGE: implementing multidisciplinary assessments for geriatric patients in an emergency department observation unit, a hybrid effectiveness/implementation study using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:28. [PMID: 32885187 PMCID: PMC7427917 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults in the emergency department (ED) are at high risk for functional decline, unrecognized delirium, falls, and medication interactions. Holistic assessment by a multidisciplinary team in the ED decreases these adverse outcomes and decreases admissions, but there are many barriers to incorporating this type of care during the ED visit. METHODS This is a hybrid type II effectiveness-implementation study using a pre-/post-cohort design (n = 380) at a tertiary care academic ED with an ED observation unit (Obs Unit). The intervention is a two-step protocol of (step 1) ED nurses screening adult patients ≥ 65 years old for geriatric needs using the Delirium Triage Screen, 4-Stage Balance Test, and the Identifying Seniors at Risk score. Patients who have geriatric needs identified by this screening but who do not meet hospital admission criteria will (step 2) be placed in the Obs Unit for multidisciplinary geriatric assessment by the hospital's geriatric consultation team, physical therapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and/or case managers. Not all patients may require all elements of the multidisciplinary geriatric assessment. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research: Care Transitions Framework was used to identify barriers to implementation. Lean Six Sigma processes will be used to overcome these identified barriers with the goal of achieving geriatric screening rates of > 80%. Implementation success and associated factors will be reported. For the effectiveness aim, pre-/post-cohorts of adults ≥ 65 years old cared for in the Obs Unit will be followed for 90 days post-ED visit (n = 150 pre and 230 post). The primary outcome is the prevention of functional decline. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, new geriatric syndromes identified, new services provided, and Obs Unit metrics such as length of stay and admission rates. DISCUSSION A protocol for implementing integrated multidisciplinary geriatric assessment into the ED setting has the potential to improve patient functional status by identifying and addressing geriatric issues and needs prior to discharge from the ED. Using validated frameworks and implementation strategies will increase our understanding of how to improve the quality of ED care for older adults in the acute care setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT04068311, registered 28 August 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. Southerland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, 750 Prior Hall, 376 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Julie A. Stephens
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State College of Medicine, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | - Lorraine C. Mion
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH USA
| | | | - Angela Zachman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, 750 Prior Hall, 376 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Michael Hill
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, 750 Prior Hall, 376 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, 750 Prior Hall, 376 W 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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Eagles D, Otal D, Wilding L, Sinha S, Thiruganasambandamoorthy V, Wells GA, Stiell IG. Evaluation of the Ottawa 3DY as a screening tool for cognitive impairment in older emergency department patients. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 38:2545-2551. [PMID: 31937444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to evaluate the implementation of the Ottawa 3DY Tool, a simple screening instrument for cognitive impairment, by front-line ED clinicians. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study in an academic ED. Patients ≥75 years underwent cognitive screening with the Ottawa 3DY by front-line nurses and physicians. Descriptive statistics were used to describe level of implementation and acceptability of the tool. Sensitivity and specificity was calculated using an Mini-Mental State Exam <25 as the cut-off for cognitive impairment. A weighted kappa was calculated to establish inter-rater agreement. RESULTS Cognitive screening was completed in 260/332 eligible patients (78.3%), who were 60% female and had a mean age of 83.7 years. Facilitators to screening: perceived importance and ownership of screening and feasibility of Ottawa 3DY. Barriers to screening were: over confidence in clinical judgement and perceived lack of patient benefit. Ottawa 3DY had a sensitivity of 84.6% (64.3-95.0) and specificity of 54.2% (39.3-68.4) when completed by nurses. When completed by emergency physicians, sensitivity was 78.9% (53.9-93.0) and specificity was 70.0% (45.7-87.2). Inter-rater agreement kappa score was 0.67. DISCUSSION This study demonstrated that incorporating the Ottawa 3DY tool into the routine evaluation of older ED patients by front-line ED clinicians is both feasible and effective. With its demonstrated good inter-rater reliability and moderate level of sensitivity and specificity when compared with the much longer MMSE, the routine adoption of this tool may help lead to improved recognition of cognitive impairment and ultimately patient and system outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Eagles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Damanjot Otal
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Wilding
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samir Sinha
- Departments of Medicine and Family and Community Medicine, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Venkatesh Thiruganasambandamoorthy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Wells
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian G Stiell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Hughes JM, Freiermuth CE, Shepherd-Banigan M, Ragsdale L, Eucker SA, Goldstein K, Hastings SN, Rodriguez RL, Fulton J, Ramos K, Tabriz AA, Gordon AM, Gierisch JM, Kosinski A, Williams JW. Emergency Department Interventions for Older Adults: A Systematic Review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 67:1516-1525. [PMID: 30875098 PMCID: PMC6677239 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of emergency department (ED) interventions on clinical, utilization, and care experience outcomes for older adults. DESIGN A conceptual model informed, protocol-based systematic review. SETTING Emergency Department (ED). PARTICIPANTS Older adults 65 years of age and older. METHODS AND MEASUREMENT Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched for English-language studies published through December 2017. Studies evaluating the use of one or more eligible intervention strategies (discharge planning, case management, medication safety or management, and geriatric EDs including those that cited the 2014 Geriatric ED Guidelines) with adults 65 years of age and older were included. Studies were classified by the number of intervention strategies used (ie, single strategy or multi-strategy) and key intervention components present (ie, assessment, referral plus follow-up, and contact both before and after ED discharge ["bridge"]). The effect of ED interventions on clinical (functional status, quality of life [QOL]), patient experience, and utilization (hospitalization, ED return visit) outcomes was evaluated. RESULTS A total of 2000 citations were identified; 17 articles describing 15 unique studies (9 randomized and 6 nonrandomized) met eligibility criteria and were included in analyses. ED interventions showed a mixed pattern of effects. Overall, there was a small positive effect of ED interventions on functional status but no effects on QOL, patient experience, hospitalization at or after the initial ED index visit, or ED return visit. CONCLUSION Studies using two or more intervention strategies may be associated with the greatest effects on clinical and utilization outcomes. More comprehensive interventions, defined as those with all three key intervention components present, may be associated with some positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime M. Hughes
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Caroline E. Freiermuth
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Luna Ragsdale
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stephanie A. Eucker
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Karen Goldstein
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - S. Nicole Hastings
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Jessica Fulton
- Psychology Service, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Katherine Ramos
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Amir Alishahi Tabriz
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Adelaide M. Gordon
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer M. Gierisch
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Andrzej Kosinski
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - John W. Williams
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Cetin-Sahin D, Ducharme F, McCusker J, Veillette N, Cossette S, Vu TTM, Vadeboncoeur A, Lachance PA, Mah R, Berthelot S. Experiences of an Emergency Department Visit Among Older Adults and Their Families: Qualitative Findings From a Mixed-Methods Study. J Patient Exp 2019; 7:346-356. [PMID: 32821794 PMCID: PMC7410141 DOI: 10.1177/2374373519837238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emergency department (ED) visits are critical events for older adults, but little is known regarding their experiences, particularly about their physical needs, the involvement of accompanying family members, and the transition back to the community. Objective To explore experiences of an ED visit among patients aged 75 and older. Methods In a mixed-methods study, a cohort of patients aged 75 and older (or a family member) discharged from the ED back to the community was recruited from 4 urban EDs. A week following discharge, structured telephone interviews supplemented with open-ended questions were conducted. A subsample (76 patients, 32 family members) was purposefully selected. Verbatim transcripts of responses to the open-ended questions were thematically analyzed. Results Experiences related to physical needs included comfort, equipment supporting mobility and autonomy, help when needed, and access to drink and food. Family members required opportunities to provide patient support and greater involvement in their care. At discharge, patients/families required adequate discharge education, resolution of their health problem, information on medications, and greater certainty about planned follow-up medical and home care services. Conclusions Our findings suggest several areas that could be targeted to improve patient and family perceptions of the care at an ED visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Cetin-Sahin
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Center for Research in Aging, Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francine Ducharme
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jane McCusker
- St. Mary's Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Veillette
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Cossette
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - T T Minh Vu
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Research Centre, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Centre hospitalier de l'université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alain Vadeboncoeur
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Emergency Medicine Services, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Paul-André Lachance
- University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Hôpital de la Cité-de-la-Santé, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rick Mah
- St. Mary's Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Simon Berthelot
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Southerland LT, Hunold KM, Carpenter CR, Caterino JM, Mion LC. A National Dataset Analysis of older adults in emergency department observation units. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:1686-1690. [PMID: 30563716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Department (ED) Observation Units (Obs Units) are prevalent in the US, but little is known regarding older adults in observation. Our objective was to describe the Obs Units nationally and observation patients with specific attention to differences in care with increasing age. DESIGN This is an analysis of 2010-2013 data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), a national observational cohort study including ED patients. Weighted means are presented for continuous data and weighted percent for categorical data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with placement in and admission from observation. RESULTS The number of adult ED visits varied from 100 million to 107 million per year and 2.3% of patients were placed in observation. Adults ≥65 years old made up a disproportionate number of Obs Unit patients, 30.6%, compared to only 19.7% of total ED visits (odds ratio 1.5 (95% CI 1.5-1.6), adjusting for sex, race, month, day of week, payer source, and hospital region). The overall admission rate from observation was 35.6%, ranging from 31.3% for ages 18-64 years to 47.5% for adults ≥85 years old (p < 0.001). General symptoms (e.g., nausea, dizziness) and hypertensive disease were the most common diagnoses overall. Older adults varied from younger adults in that they were frequently observed for diseases of the urinary system (ICD-9 590-599) and metabolic disorders (ICD-9 270-279). CONCLUSIONS Older adults are more likely to be cared for in Obs Units. Older adults are treated for different medical conditions than younger adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Southerland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Katherine M Hunold
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey M Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lorraine C Mion
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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How Older Adults Experience an Emergency Department Visit: Development and Validation of Measures. Ann Emerg Med 2018; 71:755-766.e4. [PMID: 29459058 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop and validate measures of experiences of an emergency department (ED) visit suitable for use by older adults or their family members. METHODS A cohort of patients aged 75 years and older who were discharged home was recruited at 4 EDs. At 1 week after the visit, patients or family members were interviewed by telephone to assess problems experienced at the visit. Twenty-six questions based on 6 domains of care found in the literature were developed: 16 questions were administered to all patients; 10 questions were administered to bed patients only. Scales were developed with multiple correspondence analysis. Regression analyses were used to validate the scales, using 2 validation criteria: perceived overall quality of care and willingness to return to the same ED. RESULTS Four hundred twelve patients completed the 1-week interview, 197 ambulatory and 215 bed patients; family members responded for 75 patients. Two scales were developed, assessing personal care and communication (8 questions; α=.63) and waiting times (2 questions; α=.79). Both scales were significantly independently associated with perceived overall quality of care and willingness to return to the same ED. CONCLUSION Two scales assessing important aspects of ED care experienced by older adults are ready for further evaluation in other settings.
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Bending the Curve of Health Trajectories for Older Adults Discharged From the Emergency Department. Ann Emerg Med 2017; 69:434-436. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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McCusker J, Vadeboncoeur A, Cossette S, Veillette N, Ducharme F, Minh Vu TT, Ciampi A, Cetin‐Sahin D, Belzile E. Changes in Emergency Department Geriatric Services in Quebec and Correlates of These Changes. J Am Geriatr Soc 2017; 65:1448-1454. [DOI: 10.1111/jgs.14818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jane McCusker
- St. Mary's Research Centre Montreal Canada
- McGill University Montreal Canada
| | - Alain Vadeboncoeur
- Université de Montréal Montreal Canada
- Emergency Medicine Services Montreal Heart Institute Montreal Canada
| | - Sylvie Cossette
- Université de Montréal Montreal Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute Research Center Montreal Canada
| | - Nathalie Veillette
- Université de Montréal Montreal Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal Montreal Canada
| | - Francine Ducharme
- Université de Montréal Montreal Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal Montreal Canada
| | - Thien Tuong Minh Vu
- Université de Montréal Montreal Canada
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal Montreal Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Montreal Canada
| | - Antonio Ciampi
- St. Mary's Research Centre Montreal Canada
- McGill University Montreal Canada
| | - Deniz Cetin‐Sahin
- St. Mary's Research Centre Montreal Canada
- Center for Research in Aging Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre Montreal Canada
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Fry M, Fitzpatrick L, Considine J, Shaban RZ, Curtis K. Emergency department utilisation among older people with acute and/or chronic conditions: A multi-centre retrospective study. Int Emerg Nurs 2016; 37:39-43. [PMID: 27743877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Older persons aged over 65years represent up to 41% of Australian Emergency Department (ED) presentations. Older persons present with acute and/or chronic conditions, have more Emergency Department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions than other age groups. However, little is known about the characteristics and trends of acute illness and chronic presentations and whether frailty changes these dimensions within this cohort. METHODS A 12-month retrospective medical record audit of persons over 65years presenting to four EDs. RESULTS Data from 44,774 (26.6%) patients aged 65years and over were analysed. Patients with acute conditions presented more frequently (n=30,373; 67.8%), received more urgent triage categories (n=13,471; 30.1%) and had higher admission rates (n=18,332; 61%). Chronic conditions presented less frequently (n=14,396; 32.1%) and had higher discharge rates (n=9302; 65%). Patients over 80years were allocated more urgent triage categories and commonly presented with falls (n=3814; 8.5%). Patients between 65 and79years had a higher discharge rate (n=10,397; 46.1%). CONCLUSION Older persons with acute illnesses were more likely to be admitted than those with chronic conditions and who were more likely to be discharged home. There is scope for further investigation of new models of care to better manage older persons with chronic conditions and ED discharge practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Fry
- Northern Sydney Local Health District, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Lesley Fitzpatrick
- Emergency Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Honorary Associate, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
| | - Julie Considine
- Deakin University, School of Nursing, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia; Eastern Health - Deakin University Nursing & Midwifery Research Centre, Level 2, 5 Arnold St, Box Hill, Victoria 3138, Australia.
| | - Ramon Z Shaban
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Nursing and Midwifery Griffith University, Nathan Campus, N48 Health Sciences Building, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia; Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, 1 Hospital Blvd, Southport, Qld 4215, Australia.
| | - Kate Curtis
- Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, 88 Mallet St, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Trauma Service, St George Hospital, Gray St, Kogarah, NSW, Australia; St George Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, NSW, Australia.
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Shaw PB, Delate T, Dowd MB, Lyman A, Adams J, Freml H(K, Sanchez JK, Gozansky W. In reply:. Ann Emerg Med 2016; 68:393-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Wojda TR, Cornejo K, Valenza PL, Carolan G, Sharpe RP, Mira AEA, Galwankar SC, Stawicki SP. Medical demographics in sub-Saharan Africa: Does the proportion of elderly patients in accident and emergency units mirror life expectancy trends? J Emerg Trauma Shock 2016; 9:122-5. [PMID: 27512334 PMCID: PMC4960779 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2700.185278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Wojda
- Department of Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA. E-mail:
| | - Kristine Cornejo
- Department of Family Medicine-Warren, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Pamela L Valenza
- Department of Family Medicine-Warren, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Gregory Carolan
- Department of Orthopedics, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Richard P Sharpe
- Department of Surgery, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA. E-mail:
| | - Alaa-Eldin A Mira
- Department of Geriatrics, St. Luke's University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Sagar C Galwankar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Hospital Transfers of Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Patients Within 48 Hours and 30 Days After SNF Admission. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:839-45. [PMID: 27349621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Close to 1 in 5 patients admitted to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) are readmitted to the acute hospital within 30 days, and a substantial percentage are readmitted within 2 days of the SNF admission. These rapid returns to the hospital may provide insights for improving care transitions between the acute hospital and the SNF. OBJECTIVES To describe the characteristics of SNF to hospital transfers that occur within 48 hours and 30 days of SNF admission based on root cause analyses (RCAs) performed by SNF staff, and identify potential areas of focus for improving transitions between hospitals and SNFs. DESIGN Trained staff from SNFs enrolled in a randomized, controlled clinical trial of the INTERACT (Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers) quality improvement program performed retrospective RCAs on hospital transfers during a 12-month implementation period. SETTING SNFs from across the United States. PARTICIPANTS 64 of 88 SNFs randomized to the intervention group submitted RCAs. INTERVENTIONS SNFs were implementing the INTERACT quality improvement program. MEASURES Data were abstracted from the INTERACT Quality Improvement (QI) tool, a structured, retrospective RCA on hospital transfers. RESULTS Among 4658 transfers for which data on the time between SNF admission and hospital transfer were available, 353 (8%) occurred within 48 hours of SNF admission, 524 (11%) 3 to 6 days after SNF admission, 1450 (31%) 7 to 29 days after SNF admission, and 2331 (50%) occurred 30 days or longer after admission. Comparisons between transfers that occurred within 48 hours and within 30 days of SNF admission to transfers that occurred 30 days or longer after SNF admission revealed several statistically significant differences between patient risk factors for transfer, symptoms and signs precipitating the transfers, and other characteristics of the transfers. Hospitalization in the last 30 days and year was significantly more common among those with rapid returns to the hospital. Shortness of breath was significantly more common among those transferred within 48 hours or 30 days, and falls, functional decline, suspected respiratory infection, and new urinary incontinence less common. SNF staff rated a higher proportion of transfers within 30 days versus 30 days or longer as potentially preventable (25.1% vs 21.5%, P = .005). Case descriptions derived from the QI tools of transfers back to the hospital within 48 hours of SNF admission illustrate several factors underlying these rapid returns to the hospital. CONCLUSION RCAs on transfers back to the hospital shortly after SNF admission provide insights into strategies that both hospitals and SNFs can consider in collaborative efforts to reduce potentially avoidable hospital readmissions.
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Hunold KM, Pereira GF, Jones CW, Isaacs CG, Braz VA, Gadi SR, Platts-Mills TF. Priorities of Care Among Older Adults in the Emergency Department: A Cross-sectional Study. Acad Emerg Med 2016; 23:362-5. [PMID: 26729650 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency departments (EDs) are an increasingly important site of care for older adults, but little is known about the priorities of emergency care in this population. We sought to describe and rank priorities of care among older adults receiving care in the ED. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of cognitively intact patients aged 65 years and older receiving care in two U.S. EDs. Participants provided up to three open-ended responses to a single question asking what would make their ED visit successful, useful, or valuable. A literature review and patient responses were used to generate priority categories and larger metacategories. Each response was then assigned to one of the categories by independent reviewers. We report the percentage of patients identifying a priority in each category and metacategory and the relative weight of each category based on the frequency and order of priorities provided by patients. RESULTS A total of 185 participants provided 351 priorities. Twenty-four categories and seven metacategories were identified. Sixty-two percent (N = 114) of participants reported at least one priority in the "evaluation, treatment, and outcomes" metacategory. Of these, the most common priorities included treatment of the medical problem (n = 37, 20%), accurate diagnosis (n = 36, 19%), competent staff and provider (n = 28, 15%), and desirable health outcome (n = 24, 13%). The second and third most common metacategories were "timely care" (n = 67, 36%), and "service" (n = 38, 21%). Nineteen patients (10%) expressed a desire to be discharged; one patient (1%) expressed a desire for admission. The ranking of weighted priorities were identical to the unweighted rank order by frequency. CONCLUSIONS Among a sample of cognitively intact older ED patients, the most common priorities were related to the accuracy and efficiency of the medical evaluation. These priorities should be considered by those attempting to improve the emergency care of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christopher W. Jones
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Cooper Medical School of Rowan University; Camden NJ
| | - Cameron G. Isaacs
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Wake Forest University; Winston-Salem NC
| | - Valerie A. Braz
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Cooper Medical School of Rowan University; Camden NJ
| | - Sneha R. Gadi
- The University of Virginia School of Medicine; Charlottesville VA
| | - Timothy F. Platts-Mills
- The Departments of Emergency Medicine and Anesthesiology; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC
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Han JH, Vasilevskis EE, Schnelle JF, Shintani A, Dittus RS, Wilson A, Ely EW. The Diagnostic Performance of the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale for Detecting Delirium in Older Emergency Department Patients. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:878-82. [PMID: 26113020 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Delirium is frequently missed in older emergency department (ED) patients. Brief (<2 minutes) delirium assessments have been validated for the ED, but some ED health care providers may consider them to be cumbersome. The Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) is an observational scale that quantifies level of consciousness and takes less than 10 seconds to perform. The authors sought to explore the diagnostic accuracy of the RASS for delirium in older ED patients. METHODS This was a preplanned analysis of a prospective observational study designed to validate brief delirium assessments for the ED. The study was conducted at an academic ED and enrolled patients who were 65 years or older. Patients who were non-English-speaking, deaf, blind, comatose or had end-stage dementia were excluded. A research assistant (RA) and a physician performed the RASS at the time of enrollment. Within 3 hours, a consultation-liaison psychiatrist performed his or her comprehensive reference standard assessment for delirium using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria. Sensitivities, specificities, and likelihood ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS Of 406 enrolled patients, 50 (12.3%) had delirium diagnosed by the consult-liaison psychiatrist reference rater. When performed by the RA, a RASS other than 0 (RASS > 0 or < 0) was 84.0% sensitive (95% CI = 73.8% to 94.2%) and 87.6% specific (95% CI = 84.2% to 91.1%) for delirium. When performed by physician, a RASS other than 0 was 82.0% sensitive (95% CI = 71.4% to 92.6%) and 85.1% specific (95% CI = 81.4% to 88.8%) for delirium. Using a RASS > +1 or < -1 as the cutoff, the specificity improved to approximately 99% for both raters at the expense of sensitivity; the sensitivities were 22.0% (95% CI = 10.5% to 33.5%) and 16.0% (95% CI = 5.8% to 25.2%) in the RAs and physician raters, respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 19.6 (95% CI = 6.5 to 59.1) when performed by the RA and 57.0 (95% CI = 7.3 to 445.9) when performed by the physician, indicating that a RASS > +1 or < -1 strongly increased the likelihood of delirium. The weighted kappa was 0.63, indicating moderate interobserver reliability. CONCLUSIONS In older ED patients, a RASS other than 0 has very good sensitivity and specificity for delirium as diagnosed by a psychiatrist. A RASS > +1 or < -1 is nearly diagnostic for delirium, given the very high positive likelihood ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin H. Han
- The Center for Quality Aging; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
| | - Eduard E. Vasilevskis
- The Center for Quality Aging; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Center for Health Services Research; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System; Nashville TN
| | - John F. Schnelle
- The Center for Quality Aging; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Center for Health Services Research; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System; Nashville TN
| | - Ayumi Shintani
- The Department of Biostatistics; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
| | - Robert S. Dittus
- The Center for Quality Aging; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Center for Health Services Research; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System; Nashville TN
| | - Amanda Wilson
- The Department of Psychiatry; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
| | - E. Wesley Ely
- The Center for Quality Aging; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Center for Health Services Research; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- The Department of Medicine; Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Nashville TN
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center; Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System; Nashville TN
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Schnitker LM, Martin-Khan M, Burkett E, Brand CA, Beattie ERA, Jones RN, Gray LC. Structural quality indicators to support quality of care for older people with cognitive impairment in emergency departments. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:273-84. [PMID: 25754936 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify the structural quality of care domains and to establish a set of structural quality indicators (SQIs) for the assessment of care of older people with cognitive impairment in emergency departments (EDs). METHODS A structured approach to SQI development was undertaken including: 1) a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and gray literature focusing on identification of evidence-based interventions targeting structure of care of older patients with cognitive impairment and existing SQIs; 2) a consultative process engaging experts in the care of older people and epidemiologic methods (i.e., advisory panel) leading to development of a draft set of SQIs; 3) field testing of drafted SQIs in eight EDs, leading to refinement of the SQI set; and 4) an independent voting process among the panelists for SQI inclusion in a final set, using preestablished inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS At the conclusion of the process, five SQIs targeting the management of older ED patients with cognitive impairment were developed: 1) the ED has a policy outlining the management of older people with cognitive impairment during the ED episode of care; 2) the ED has a policy outlining issues relevant to carers of older people with cognitive impairment, encompassing the need to include the (family) carer in the ED episode of care; 3) the ED has a policy outlining the assessment and management of behavioral symptoms, with specific reference to older people with cognitive impairment; 4) the ED has a policy outlining delirium prevention strategies, including the assessment of patients' delirium risk factors; and 5) the ED has a policy outlining pain assessment and management for older people with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS This article presents a set of SQIs for the evaluation of performance in caring for older people with cognitive impairment in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M. Schnitker
- The Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Melinda Martin-Khan
- The Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
- Centre for Online Health; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Ellen Burkett
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Brisbane Australia
| | - Caroline A. Brand
- The Centre for Research Excellence in Patient Safety; Monash University; Melbourne Australia
| | - Elizabeth R. A. Beattie
- The School of Nursing and Midwifery; Queensland University of Technology; Brisbane Australia
| | - Richard N. Jones
- Hebrew SeniorLife; Institute for Aging Research; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA
| | - Len C. Gray
- The Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
- Centre for Online Health; The University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
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Schnitker LM, Martin-Khan M, Burkett E, Beattie ERA, Jones RN, Gray LC. Process quality indicators targeting cognitive impairment to support quality of care for older people with cognitive impairment in emergency departments. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:285-98. [PMID: 25754937 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to develop process quality indicators (PQIs) to support the improvement of care services for older people with cognitive impairment in emergency departments (ED). METHODS A structured research approach was taken for the development of PQIs for the care of older people with cognitive impairment in EDs, including combining available evidence with expert opinion (phase 1), a field study (phase 2), and formal voting (phase 3). A systematic review of the literature identified ED processes targeting the specific care needs of older people with cognitive impairment. Existing relevant PQIs were also included. By integrating the scientific evidence and clinical expertise, new PQIs were drafted and, along with the existing PQIs, extensively discussed by an advisory panel. These indicators were field tested in eight hospitals using a cohort of older persons aged 70 years and older. After analysis of the field study data (indicator prevalence, variability across sites), in a second meeting, the advisory panel further defined the PQIs. The advisory panel formally voted for selection of those PQIs that were most appropriate for care evaluation. RESULTS In addition to seven previously published PQIs relevant to the care of older persons, 15 new indicators were created. These 22 PQIs were then field tested. PQIs designed specifically for the older ED population with cognitive impairment were only scored for patients with identified cognitive impairment. Following formal voting, a total of 11 PQIs were included in the set. These PQIs targeted cognitive screening, delirium screening, delirium risk assessment, evaluation of acute change in mental status, delirium etiology, proxy notification, collateral history, involvement of a nominated support person, pain assessment, postdischarge follow-up, and ED length of stay. CONCLUSIONS This article presents a set of PQIs for the evaluation of the care for older people with cognitive impairment in EDs. The variation in indicator triggering across different ED sites suggests that there are opportunities for quality improvement in care for this vulnerable group. Applied PQIs will identify an emergency services' implementation of care strategies for cognitively impaired older ED patients. Awareness of the PQI triggers at an ED level enables implementation of targeted interventions to improve any suboptimal processes of care. Further validation and utility of the indicators in a wider population is now indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M. Schnitker
- The Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine; University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Melinda Martin-Khan
- The Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine; University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
- The Centre for Online Health; University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
| | - Ellen Burkett
- The Department of Emergency Medicine; Princess Alexandra Hospital; Brisbane Australia
| | - Elizabeth R. A. Beattie
- The School of Nursing and Midwifery; Queensland University of Technology; Brisbane Australia
| | - Richard N. Jones
- Hebrew SeniorLife; Institute for Aging Research; Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA
| | - Len C. Gray
- The Centre for Online Health; University of Queensland; Brisbane Australia
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Carpenter CR, Avidan MS, Wildes T, Stark S, Fowler SA, Lo AX. Predicting geriatric falls following an episode of emergency department care: a systematic review. Acad Emerg Med 2014; 21:1069-82. [PMID: 25293956 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are the leading cause of traumatic mortality in geriatric adults. Despite recent multispecialty guideline recommendations that advocate for proactive fall prevention protocols in the emergency department (ED), the ability of risk factors or risk stratification instruments to identify subsets of geriatric patients at increased risk for short-term falls is largely unexplored. OBJECTIVES This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of ED-based history, physical examination, and fall risk stratification instruments with the primary objective of providing a quantitative estimate for each risk factor's accuracy to predict future falls. A secondary objective was to quantify ED fall risk assessment test and treatment thresholds using derived estimates of sensitivity and specificity. METHODS A medical librarian and two emergency physicians (EPs) conducted a medical literature search of PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, DARE, the Cochrane Registry, and Clinical Trials. Unpublished research was located by a hand search of emergency medicine (EM) research abstracts from national meetings. Inclusion criteria for original studies included ED-based assessment of pre-ED or post-ED fall risk in patients 65 years and older with sufficient detail to reproduce contingency tables for meta-analysis. Original study authors were contacted for additional details when necessary. The Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) was used to assess individual study quality for those studies that met inclusion criteria. When more than one qualitatively similar study assessed the same risk factor for falls at the same interval following an ED evaluation, then meta-analysis was performed using Meta-DiSc software. The primary outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios for fall risk factors or risk stratification instruments. Secondary outcomes included estimates of test and treatment thresholds using the Pauker method based on accuracy, screening risk, and the projected benefits or harms of fall prevention interventions in the ED. RESULTS A total of 608 unique and potentially relevant studies were identified, but only three met our inclusion criteria. Two studies that included 660 patients assessed 29 risk factors and two risk stratification instruments for falls in geriatric patients in the 6 months following an ED evaluation, while one study of 107 patients assessed the risk of falls in the preceding 12 months. A self-report of depression was associated with the highest positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 6.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41 to 30.48). Six fall predictors were identified in more than one study (past falls, living alone, use of walking aid, depression, cognitive deficit, and more than six medications) and meta-analysis was performed for these risk factors. One screening instrument was sufficiently accurate to identify a subset of geriatric ED patients at low risk for falls with a negative LR of 0.11 (95% CI = 0.06 to 0.20). The test threshold was 6.6% and the treatment threshold was 27.5%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the paucity of evidence in the literature regarding ED-based screening for risk of future falls among older adults. The screening tools and individual characteristics identified in this study provide an evidentiary basis on which to develop screening protocols for geriatrics adults in the ED to reduce fall risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tanya Wildes
- The Department of Medicine Division of Medical Oncology; St. Louis MO
| | - Susan Stark
- The Department of Occupational Therapy; St. Louis MO
- The Department of Neurology; St. Louis MO
| | - Susan A. Fowler
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine; St. Louis MO
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Pereira GF, Bulik CM, Weaver MA, Holland WC, Platts-Mills TF. Malnutrition among cognitively intact, noncritically ill older adults in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med 2014; 65:85-91. [PMID: 25129819 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among older patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) in the southeastern United States and identify subgroups at increased risk. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with random time block sampling of cognitively intact patients aged 65 years and older. Nutrition was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (0 to 14 scale), with malnutrition defined as a score of 7 or less and at risk for malnutrition defined as a score of 8 to 11. The presence of depressive symptoms was defined as a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-10 score of 4 or more (0 to 10 scale). RESULTS Among 138 older adults, 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11% to 23%) were malnourished and 60% (95% CI 52% to 68%) were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Seventeen of the 22 malnourished patients (77%) denied previously receiving a diagnosis of malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition was not appreciably different between men and women, across levels of patient education, or between those living in urban and rural areas. However, the prevalence of malnutrition was higher among patients with depressive symptoms (52%), those residing in assisted living (44%), those with difficulty eating (38%), and those reporting difficulty buying groceries (33%). CONCLUSION Among a random sample of cognitively intact older ED patients, more than half were malnourished or at risk for malnutrition, and the majority of malnourished patients had not previously received a diagnosis. Higher rates of malnutrition among individuals with depression, difficulty eating, and difficulty buying groceries suggest the need to explore multifaceted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg F Pereira
- Department of Nutrition, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Nutrition, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mark A Weaver
- Departments of Medicine and Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Wesley C Holland
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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