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Oostema JA, Mullennix S, Chassee T, Port C, Deveau J, Throop J, Reynolds JC. Extending emergency care beyond discharge: Piloting a virtual after care clinic. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2024; 5:e13302. [PMID: 39267705 PMCID: PMC11391379 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Many unscheduled return visits to the emergency department (ED) stem from insufficient access to outpatient follow-up. We piloted an emergency medicine-staffed, on-demand, virtual after care clinic (VACC) as an alternative for discharged ED patients. Methods Prospective cohort study of discharged ED patients who scheduled VACC appointments within 72 hours of index ED visit. We performed descriptive analyses and compared risks of ED return at 72 hours and 30 days between patients who did/did not attend their appointment. Results From March to December 2022, 309 patients scheduled VACC appointments and 210 (68%) attended them. Patients who scheduled appointments were young (median 37 years), non-Hispanic white (80%), females (75%) with a primary care physicians (PCP) (90%), and commercial insurance (72%). Most VACC visits reinforced ED testing and/or treatment (64%) or adjusted medications (26%). VACC attendees were less likely to return to the ED within 72 h (3.3% vs. 13.1%; risk difference 9.3% [95% confidence interval, CI 2.7%‒19.8%]) and 30 days (16.2% vs. 30.3%; risk difference 14.1% [95% CI 3.8%‒24.4%]) compared to those who scheduled but did not attend a VACC appointment. VACC attendance was associated with lower odds of 72-h (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.0; 95% CI 0.0‒0.4) and 30-day (aOR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2‒0.7) return ED visits. Conclusions In this pilot study, younger, white, female, commercially insured patients with a PCP preferentially scheduled VACC appointments. Among patients who scheduled VACC appointments, those who attended their appointments were less likely to return to the ED within 72 hours and 30 days than those who did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Adam Oostema
- Corewell Health West Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids Michigan USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine Michigan State University Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | | | - Todd Chassee
- Corewell Health West Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids Michigan USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine Michigan State University Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | - Christopher Port
- Corewell Health West Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | - John Deveau
- Corewell Health West Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | - John Throop
- Corewell Health West Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids Michigan USA
| | - Joshua C Reynolds
- Corewell Health West Emergency Care Specialists Grand Rapids Michigan USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine Michigan State University Grand Rapids Michigan USA
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Adania ET, Faria Junior GSDE, Franzoni NR, Pimentel SK. Emergency room readmission, an avoidable problem? Analysis and stratification of readmissions in a trauma reference center. Rev Col Bras Cir 2024; 51:e20243704. [PMID: 38985037 PMCID: PMC11449517 DOI: 10.1590/0100-6991e-20243704-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hospital readmission is a common way to assess the quality of care provided in an emergency service. In this context, the aim of this study is to quantify and stratify readmissions in a trauma reference emergency service. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted with patients readmitted, twice or more, in the emergency service within a maximum period of 30 days from the initial admission - hospitalized or not. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS The readmission rate for the service was 4.11% for all readmissions and 2.23% for avoidable readmissions. Within this group, 61.19% were likely avoidable, 19.47% possibly avoidable, and 19.34% eventually avoidable. Regarding time, 48.16% occurred within one week of the initial readmission. Furthermore, no statistically significant association was found in the analysis of biological sex, occupational accident, and comorbidities. A statistically significant association was found in the analysis of age and ambulance transport (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.17-1.59). CONCLUSION The study highlighted that there are still readmissions in the emergency department that could be avoided. A significant relationship was observed between readmissions and patient ages, and ambulance transport.
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Hutchinson CL, Curtis K, McCloughen A. Characteristics of patients who return unplanned to the ED, and factors that contribute to their decision to return: Integrated results from an explanatory sequential mixed methods inquiry. Australas Emerg Care 2024; 27:71-77. [PMID: 37741746 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2023.08.004] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify common characteristics of patients who return to the ED unplanned and factors that may contribute to their decision to return. BACKGROUND Return visits to the Emergency Department (ED) have been associated with adverse events and deficits in initial care provided. There is increasing evidence to suggest that many return visits may be preventable. METHODS The results of primary quantitative measures (QUAN) followed by qualitative measures (qual) were integrated to build on and explain the quantitative data found in the initial phase of the research. RESULTS Integration of results produced three new findings. 1) Most return visits occurred beyond 48 hrs because patients intentionally delayed going back to the ED despite their persisting symptoms; 2) Clinical urgency and deterioration were rarely evident in patients who made return visits in patients and 3) Ineffective communication between the clinician and the patient at discharge may have contributed to patients making the decision to return to the ED. CONCLUSION The decision to return unplanned to the ED is not an immediate response for most patients, and several potentially avoidable factors may influence their decision-making process. Future research should focus on strategies which contribute to the avoidance of unplanned return visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Hutchinson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Emergency Department, Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Health. Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour Campus, NSW, Australia.
| | - Kate Curtis
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea McCloughen
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Rogachev S, Hashavya S, Rekhtman D, Schiesel G, Benenson-Weinberg T, Weiser G, Gordon O, Gross I. Return Visits in Infants Younger Than 90 Days Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department for Fever. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024:99228241234963. [PMID: 38415681 DOI: 10.1177/00099228241234963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Fever in infants presenting to pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) often results in significant return visits (RVs). This retrospective study aimed to identify factors associated with RVs in febrile infants aged 0 to 90 days. Data from infants presenting to PED between 2018 and 2021 and returning within 7 days (RV group) were compared to age-matched febrile infants without RVs (control group). Each group had 95 infants with similar demographics and medical history. RVs were primarily due to positive cultures and persistent fever. The control group had higher initial hospitalization rates, longer PED stays, and increased antibiotic treatment. Prevalence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) did not significantly differ. Higher hospitalization, prolonged PED stays, and initial antibiotic treatment were associated with reduced RV incidence despite similar SBI rates. Return visits in infants <90 days were primarily driven by persistent fever and positive cultures. Addressing these factors through targeted parental education and improved care protocols may reduce RVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Rogachev
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Saar Hashavya
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Rekhtman
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gali Schiesel
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Giora Weiser
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oren Gordon
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Itai Gross
- Department of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Ali S, Saleem SG, Khatri A, Mukhtar S. "To teach or not to teach- that is the question" The educational and clinical impact of introducing an outcome based, modular curriculum in Social Emergency Medicine (SEM) at a private tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:429. [PMID: 37301880 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04385-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An enhanced knowledge of Emergency Medicine (EM) personnel regarding negative Social Determinants of Health (SDH) can impact EM service provision in a resource limited country like Pakistan. Interventions to build capacity in identifying and addressing these SDH through education in Social Emergency Medicine (SEM) can be one of the ways in which EM key performance indicators (KPIs) can be improved. METHOD A SEM based curriculum was administered to the EM residents at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan. Pre, post and delayed post-test was conducted for knowledge of EM residents and analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA (RMANOVA). Clinical impact of this intervention was assessed through the ability of the residents to identify the patients' SDH and determining appropriate disposition. Comparison of the bounce-back of patients in the pre-intervention (2020) and post-intervention year (2021) year was appreciated to see the clinical impact of this intervention. RESULT A significant improvement was seen in post intervention (p < 0.001) and follow up knowledge (p < 0.001) of residents regarding negative SDH. Bounce-back rate was higher in the pre-SEM curriculum (43%) as compared to the post-SEM curriculum year (27.7%). Post-intervention, the residents were able to identify the unique Pakistani SDH, however appropriate patient disposition needs further reinforcement. CONCLUSION The study highlights the beneficial impact of an educational intervention in SEM upon the knowledge of EM residents and the bounce-back of patients in the emergency department (ED) of a low resource setup. This educational intervention can be scaled up to other EDs across Pakistan for potential improvement in knowledge, EM process flow and KPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Ali
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Ghazanfar Saleem
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adeel Khatri
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sama Mukhtar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi, Pakistan
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James TG, Miller MD, McKee MM, Sullivan MK, Rotoli J, Pearson TA, Mahmoudi E, Varnes JR, Cheong JW. Emergency department condition acuity, length of stay, and revisits among deaf and hard-of-hearing patients: A retrospective chart review. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:1290-1300. [PMID: 35904003 PMCID: PMC9671827 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) patients are understudied in emergency medicine health services research. Theory and limited evidence suggest that DHH patients are at higher risk of emergency department (ED) utilization and poorer quality of care. This study assessed ED condition acuity, length of stay (LOS), and acute ED revisits among DHH patients. We hypothesized that DHH patients would experience poorer ED care outcomes. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of a single health care system using data from a large academic medical center in the southeast United States. Data were received from the medical center's data office, and we sampled patients and encounters from between June 2011 and April 2020. We compared DHH American Sign Language (ASL) users (n = 108), DHH English speakers (n = 358), and non-DHH English speakers (n = 302). We used multilevel modeling to assess the differences among patient segments in outcomes related to ED use and care. RESULTS As hypothesized, DHH ASL users had longer ED LOS than non-DHH English speakers, on average 30 min longer. Differences in ED condition acuity, measured through Emergency Severity Index and triage pain scale, were not statistically significant. DHH English speakers represented a majority (61%) of acute ED revisit encounters. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified that DHH ASL users have longer ED LOS than non-DHH English speakers. Additional research is needed to further explain the association between DHH status and ED care outcomes (including ED LOS and acute revisit), which may be used to identify intervention targets to improve health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G. James
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - M. David Miller
- School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in EducationUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Michael M. McKee
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Jason Rotoli
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Thomas A. Pearson
- Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Elham Mahmoudi
- Department of Family MedicineUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Julia R. Varnes
- Department of Health Services Research Management and PolicyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Jee Won Cheong
- Department of Health Education and BehaviorUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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Sakulchit T, Thepbamrung S. Factors Associated with Unscheduled Emergency Department Revisits in Children with Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Diseases. OPEN ACCESS EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2022; 14:275-282. [PMID: 35762009 PMCID: PMC9233495 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s359505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify factors associated with unscheduled emergency department (ED) revisits within 72 hours in children with acute dyspnea from lower respiratory tract diseases. Patients and Methods This retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients (age group: one month to 15 years old) who visited the ED with acute lower respiratory tract diseases between January 1st, 2017 and February 28th, 2019. The medical records were reviewed and discharged patients were dichotomized into revisit and non-revisit groups, based on whether the patients needed a revisit or not. Baseline characteristics, vital signs, diagnosis, treatment, pediatrician consultation, ED length of stay, and primary doctor of both groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses by logistic regression were used to determine the significant factors associated with the revisits. Results Medical records of 918 eligible pediatric patients (1417 visits) were reviewed. Factors significantly associated with the revisits were history of asthma or current controller use (odds ratio [OR]: 3.08: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86-5.1). Not prescribing systemic corticosteroids (P < 0.001), or prescribing them upon discharge without first dose in the ED (P = 0.022) were significantly associated with revisits. Conclusion No prescription of systemic corticosteroids or prescription upon discharge, without an immediate dose at the ED, in children with history of asthma or current controller use were associated with revisits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teeranai Sakulchit
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Suphakorn Thepbamrung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand
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Hutchinson CL, Curtis K, McCloughen A, Fethney J, Wiseman G, Hutchinson L. Clinician perspectives on reasons for, implications and management of unplanned patient returns to the Emergency Department: A descriptive study. Int Emerg Nurs 2021; 60:101125. [PMID: 34953437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2021.101125] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned return visits to the emergency department (ED) have been associated with adverse outcomes and may reflect the quality of care delivered. Several studies speculate the reasons for return and suggest clinician behaviour as potentially influencing a patient's decision to return to the ED. There is little research about this issue from the clinician's perspective, which is necessary to inform future practice improvement. METHODS A descriptive cross sectional design was employed to ascertain perspectives on identification and management of return visits occurring within 48 hours of discharge. An electronic survey was distributed to all medical, nursing, and clerical staff at one ED. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data and content analysis was performed on textual data. Results were categorised as barriers or facilitators, then mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS A response rate of 59.7% (n=86/144) was achieved. Staff reported increased levels of concern for this patient group but not all staff were aware of the policy for managing return patients (40.7%). Five barriers and three facilitators were identified that mapped to eight influencers of behaviour including knowledge, memory and environmental factors. CONCLUSION Overall, staff were aware of return patients but lacked familiarity with policy and processes to identify and commence relevant protocols. Further review of current practice as well as the patient perspective is required before any intervention to improve practice is developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Hutchinson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Emergency Department, Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kate Curtis
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea McCloughen
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Judith Fethney
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Glen Wiseman
- Emergency Department, Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, Australia
| | - Laura Hutchinson
- Emergency Department, Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, Australia
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De Jesus O, Rodríguez Beato F, de Jesús Espinosa A. 90-Day Return Visit to the Emergency Department After an Initial Neurosurgical Evaluation. World Neurosurg 2021; 158:e283-e286. [PMID: 34732382 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.10.175] [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: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study evaluated emergency department (ED) neurosurgical reevaluation rates and their causes. Identifying the most significant reasons that make patients return to the ED for a neurosurgical reevaluation can help implement changes to reduce the economic and medical burden of patient turnover. METHODS All patients undergoing neurosurgical reevaluation at our institution's ED after an initial neurosurgical evaluation were enrolled in a prospective 3-month longitudinal registry. Inclusion criteria were all adult patients 21 years of age or older previously evaluated by neurosurgery at our institution's ED who return within 90 days for a neurosurgical reevaluation. RESULTS We found an overall 90-day ED neurosurgical return visit rate of 2.1%. During the study, 34 patients returned to the ED for a neurosurgical reevaluation. Patients returned for a neurosurgical reevaluation at a median of 23.5 days after the initial neurosurgery evaluation. The principal causes for a return visit were altered mental status, headache, and wound infections. Among the returning patients, 59% required hospitalization and 50% required an operation. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively collect data to estimate the 90-day ED return visit rate for a neurosurgical reevaluation following an initial ED neurosurgical evaluation. Some patients still use the ED to get continued care of their condition despite having access to their primary care physician. Better communication, social worker coordination, and prompt follow-up appointments at the neurosurgical outpatient clinic may reduce return visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando De Jesus
- Section of Neurosurgry, Department of Surgery, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA.
| | - Freddie Rodríguez Beato
- Section of Neurosurgry, Department of Surgery, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Aixa de Jesús Espinosa
- Section of Neurosurgry, Department of Surgery, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
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Kim K, Lee CA, Park SH, Kim DH, Kim EC, Lim JY, Han S, Choi YH, Bae SJ, Lee DH. Age-related differences in revisits to the emergency departments of eight Korean university hospitals. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2021; 97:104489. [PMID: 34332235 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keon Kim
- Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Choung Ah Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong, 7, Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do 18450, South Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 10, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07345, South Korea
| | - Duk Ho Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Eulji University, 68, Hangeulbiseok-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01830, South Korea
| | - Eui Chung Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam, CHA University, 16, Yatap-ro 65beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13496, South Korea
| | - Jee Yong Lim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul 137-701, South Korea
| | - Sangsoo Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, 170, Jomaru-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 1899-5700, South Korea
| | - Yoon Hee Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, 1071, Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 07985, South Korea
| | - Sung Jin Bae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, 102, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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Hutchinson CL, Curtis K, McCloughen A, Qian S, Yu P, Fethney J. Predictors and outcomes of patients that return unplanned to the Emergency Department and require critical care admission: A multicenter study. Australas Emerg Care 2021; 25:88-97. [PMID: 33994336 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence, characteristics (including timeframe) and predictors of patients discharged from the Emergency Department (ED) that later return and require admission. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study examining all return visits to three EDs in Sydney, Australia, over a 12-month period. Patients returning within 28 days from ED discharge with the same or similar complaint were classified as a return visit to ensure capture of all return visits. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and logistic regression was performed to predict factors associated with return visits with general admission, and return visits admitted to critical care. RESULTS There were 1,798 (30%) return visits which resulted in admission, mostly to a non-critical care area (1,679, 93%). The current NSW 48 -h time frame used to define a return visit in NSW captured half of all admitted returns (49.5%) and just over half (59.2%) of critical care admissions. Variables associated with an admission to critical care were age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), initial presentation (index visit) made to a lower level ED (OR 3.76 95% CI 2.06, 6.86), Triage Category 2 (OR 3.67 95% CI 2.04, 6.60) and a cardiac diagnosis (OR 5.76, 95% CI 3.01, 11.01). This model had adequate discriminant ability with AUROC = 0.825. CONCLUSION A small number of return visits result in admission, especially to critical care. These patients are at risk of poor outcomes. As such, clinicians should have increased index of suspicion for patients who return that are older, present with cardiac problems, or have previously presented to a lower level ED. Revision of the current timeframe that defines a return visit ought to be considered by policy makers to improve the accuracy of this widely used key performance indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Hutchinson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Emergency Department, Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kate Curtis
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea McCloughen
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Siyu Qian
- Centre for IT-enabled Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ping Yu
- Centre for IT-enabled Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, NSW, Australia
| | - Judith Fethney
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
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Higher Frequency of Undetected Acute Coronary Syndrome in Elderly Patients with Chest Pain Who Visited the Emergency Department: A Large-Cohort Retrospective Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6611051. [PMID: 33954184 PMCID: PMC8068555 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6611051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a critical disease encountered in the emergency department (ED). Despite the development of diagnostic tools, it may be difficult to diagnose ACS because of atypical symptoms and equivocal test results. We investigated the difference in the rates of revisit and undetected ACS between adult and elderly patients who visited the ED with chest pain. Method Data from 11,323 patients who visited the ED with chest pain at university hospitals in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort was categorized into two age groups: the adult (30–64 years) and elderly (>65 years). Baseline characteristic data (age, sex, vital signs, triage category, etc.) were obtained. We selected patients who revisited the ED within 30 d and investigated whether ACS was diagnosed. Result The revisit rate was higher in the elderly (12%) than in the adult group (8.3%). The rate of undetected ACS among the revisited patients was 2.91% (18/7,186) in adults and 6.08% (16/1,998) in elderly patients. Conclusion Elderly patients with chest pain had an increased rate of ED revisits and undetected ACS than adult patients. We recommend that old patients should be hospitalized to observe the progression of cardiac complaints or receive short-term follow-up.
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Baptiste DL, Turkson-Ocran RA, Han HR, Himmelfarb CD, Commodore-Mensah Y. Social Determinants of Emergency Department Visits among Persons Diagnosed with Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke. Ethn Dis 2021; 31:41-46. [PMID: 33519154 DOI: 10.18865/ed.31.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with a variety of health outcomes, yet their relation to emergency department (ED) visits among individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke is unclear. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the 2010-2018 National Health Interview Survey, examining ED visits among individuals who self-reported CHD or stroke diagnosis. The outcome was defined as reporting ≥1 ED visit in the previous 12 months vs none. The SDOH examined were race, employment status, poverty, insurance status, marital status, and educational status. Results We included N=14,925 participants with a diagnosis of CHD or stroke. The mean (±SD) age was 68 (±.14) years. After adjusting for age and sex, non-Hispanic Blacks were more likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.29; 95%CI: 1.15-1.44) to report having ≥1 ED visits than Whites. Compared with Whites, Asians had lower odds of having ≥1 ED visit in the previous 12 months (AOR: .63, 95%CI: .49-.82). Those who were unmarried (AOR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.12 - 1.31), unemployed (AOR: 1.53, 95%CI: 1.36- 1.72) and had a poverty income ratio of <1 (AOR: 1.47, 95%CI: 1.31-1.67) had higher odds of having ≥1 ED visits. Conclusion Being Black, unmarried, unemployed, and having lower income levels were associated with a higher likelihood of having ≥1 ED visits in the prior 12 months among individuals with a CHD or stroke diagnosis. SDOH should be considered when developing systematic interventions to prevent costly ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hae-Ra Han
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Cheryl Dennison Himmelfarb
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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14
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Heeren P, Hendrikx A, Ceyssens J, Devriendt E, Deschodt M, Desruelles D, Flamaing J, Sabbe M, Milisen K. Structure and processes of emergency observation units with a geriatric focus: a scoping review. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:95. [PMID: 33526029 PMCID: PMC7852183 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02029-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combining observation principles and geriatric care concepts is considered a promising strategy for risk-stratification of older patients with emergency care needs. We aimed to map the structure and processes of emergency observation units (EOUs) with a geriatric focus and explore to what extent the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) approach was implemented in EOUs. METHODS The revised scoping methodology framework of Arksey and O'Malley was applied. Manuscripts reporting on dedicated areas within hospitals for observation of older patients with emergency care needs were eligible for inclusion. Electronic database searches were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL in combination with backward snowballing. Two researchers conducted data charting independently. Data-charting forms were developed and iteratively refined. Data inconsistencies were judged by a third researcher or discussed in the research team. Quality assessment was conducted with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. RESULTS Sixteen quantitative studies were included reporting on fifteen EOUs in seven countries across three continents. These units were located in the ED, immediately next to the ED or remote from the ED (i.e. hospital-based). All studies reported that staffing consisted of at least three healthcare professions. Observation duration varied between 4 and 72 h. Most studies focused on medical and functional assessment. Four studies reported to assess a patients' medical, functional, cognitive and social capabilities. If deemed necessary, post-discharge follow-up (e.g. community/primary care services and/or outpatient clinics) was provided in eleven studies. CONCLUSION This scoping review documented that the structure and processes of EOUs with a geriatric focus are very heterogeneous and rarely cover all elements of CGA. Further research is necessary to determine how complex care principles of 'observation medicine' and 'CGA' can ideally be merged and successfully implemented in clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Heeren
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annabelle Hendrikx
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janne Ceyssens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Els Devriendt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Deschodt
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health, Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Healthcare and Ethics, UHasselt, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Didier Desruelles
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Flamaing
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Gerontology and Geriatrics, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Sabbe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Koen Milisen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Hutchinson CL, Curtis K, McCloughen A, Qian S, Yu P, Fethney J. Identifying return visits to the Emergency Department: A multi-centre study. Australas Emerg Care 2020; 24:34-42. [PMID: 32593525 DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients who return to the Emergency Department (ED) for the same complaint are known to be at risk of adverse events. Monitoring of return visits is considered a way to measure the quality of care provided in the ED, although the most commonly used benchmark of 48h lacks evidence. This study aimed to describe the incidence, characteristics and outcomes of patients with unplanned return visits. The study also aimed to determine the capture rate of the 48-h benchmark using an all-inclusive method of return visit identification. METHODS A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across three EDs in Sydney, New South Wales from July 1st, 2017 to June 30th, 2018. Visits that occurred within 28 days with the same or similar presenting complaint following discharge from the ED were classified as a return visit. Data were grouped by index and return visit. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise incidence, patient characteristics and outcomes for all presentations. Categorical data were analysed using Chi square tests. Continuous data were analysed using Mann-Whitney when data were not normally distributed and t-tests when normally distributed. RESULTS Of all ED presentations (n=164,598), 5860 (3.6%) were identified as a return visit. Return patients were younger than non-return patients, but those that required admission were older (43 vs 33 years, p=<0.01). Abdominal problems were the most common reason for return followed by urological and mental health. The median time to return was 64:51h (IQR 20:35-226:37). Only 43% of return visits occurred within 48h. Return visits to a different ED accounted for 13.2% of return visits. CONCLUSION More than half of ED return visits are missed when the existing benchmark of 48h is used. Current policy makers should consider increasing the 48-h benchmark to more accurately reflect the incidence of return visits. Further investigation into the causal factors for return visits is warranted, particularly in patients with abdominal, urological or mental health complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Hutchinson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Emergency Department, Canterbury Hospital, Campsie, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kate Curtis
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrea McCloughen
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Siyu Qian
- Centre for IT-enabled Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ping Yu
- Centre for IT-enabled Transformation, School of Computing and Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Judith Fethney
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
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16
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Kim DU, Park YS, Park JM, Brown NJ, Chu K, Lee JH, Kim JH, Kim MJ. Influence of Overcrowding in the Emergency Department on Return Visit within 72 Hours. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051406. [PMID: 32397560 PMCID: PMC7290478 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine whether overcrowding in the emergency department (ED) affects the occurrence of a return visit (RV) within 72 h. The crowding indicator of index visit was the average number of total patients, patients under observation, and boarding patients during the first 1 and 4 h from ED arrival time and the last 1 h before ED departure. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine whether each indicator affects the occurrence of RV and post-RV admission. Of the 87,360 discharged patients, 3743 (4.3%) returned to the ED within 72 h. Of the crowding indicators pertaining to total patients, the last 1 h significantly affected decrease in RV (p = 0.0046). Boarding patients were found to increase RV occurrence during the first 1 h (p = 0.0146) and 4 h (p = 0.0326). Crowding indicators that increased the likelihood of admission post-RV were total number of patients during the first 1 h (p = 0.0166) and 4 h (p = 0.0335) and evaluating patients during the first 1 h (p = 0.0059). Overcrowding in the ED increased the incidence of RV and likelihood of post-RV admission. However, overcrowding at the time of ED departure was related to reduced RV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-uk Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (D.-u.K.); (Y.S.P.); (J.H.L.); (J.H.K.)
| | - Yoo Seok Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (D.-u.K.); (Y.S.P.); (J.H.L.); (J.H.K.)
| | - Joon Min Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, 170 Juhwa-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 10380, Korea;
| | - Nathan J. Brown
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston QLD 4029, Australia; (N.J.B.); (K.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kevin Chu
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Butterfield Street, Herston QLD 4029, Australia; (N.J.B.); (K.C.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Ji Hwan Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (D.-u.K.); (Y.S.P.); (J.H.L.); (J.H.K.)
| | - Ji Hoon Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (D.-u.K.); (Y.S.P.); (J.H.L.); (J.H.K.)
| | - Min Joung Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea; (D.-u.K.); (Y.S.P.); (J.H.L.); (J.H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-2460; Fax: +82-2-2227-7908
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