Health promotion and disease prevention in the emergency department: a feasibility study

Behavioural intervention to promote the uptake of planned care in urgent dental care attenders: a feasibility randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Urgent dental care may be the only place where many people, especially vulnerable groups, access care. This presents an opportunity for delivery of a behavioural intervention promoting planned dental visiting, which may help address one of the factors contributing to a socio-economic gradient in oral health. Although we know that cueing events such as having a cancer diagnosis may create a 'teachable moment' stimulating positive changes in health behaviour, we do not know whether delivering an opportunistic intervention in urgent dental care is feasible and acceptable to patients.

METHODS

The feasibility study aimed to recruit 60 patients in a Dental Hospital and dental practices delivering urgent care within and outside working hours. Follow-up was by telephone, e mail and post over 4 months.

RESULTS

Although the recruitment window was shortened because of COVID-19, of 47 patients assessed for eligibility, 28 were enrolled (70.1% of screened patients provided consent). A relatively high proportion were from disadvantaged backgrounds (46.4%, 13/28 receiving State benefits). Retention was 82.1% (23/28), which was also the rate of completion of the Oral Health Impact Profile co-primary outcome. The other primary outcome involved linking participant details at recruitment, with centrally-held data on services provided, with 84.6% (22/26) records partly or fully successfully matched. All intervention participants received at least some of the intervention, although we identified aspects of dental nurse training which would improve intervention fidelity.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recruitment being impacted by the pandemic, when the majority of clinical trials experienced reduced rates of recruitment, we found a high recruitment and consenting rate, even though patients were approached opportunistically to be enrolled in the trial and potentially receive an intervention. Retention rates were also high even though a relatively high proportion had a low socio-economic background. Therefore, even though patients may be in pain, and had not anticipated involvement before their urgent care visit, the study indicated that this was a feasible and acceptable setting in which to position an opportunistic intervention. This has the potential to harness the potential of the 'teachable moment' in people's lives, and provide support to help address health inequalities.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 10,853,330 07/10/2019.

Mammography Screening Outreach Through Non-Primary Care-Based Services

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the proportion of patients visiting urgent care centers or emergency departments or being hospitalized who were not up to date with recommended mammography screening to assess the potential impact of non-primary care-based cancer screening interventions.

METHODS

Adult participants from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey were included. Among participants not up to date with breast cancer screening guidelines based on ACR recommendations, the proportion of patients reporting an urgent care, emergency department visit, or hospitalization within the last year was estimated accounting for complex survey sampling design features. Multiple variable logistic regression analyses were then conducted to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and mammography screening adherence.

RESULTS

The study included 9,139 women between the ages of 40 and 74 years without history of breast cancer. Of these respondents, 44.9% did not report mammography screening within the last year. Among participants who did not report mammography screening, 29.2% reported visiting an urgent care center, 21.8% reported visiting an emergency room, and 9.6% reported being hospitalized within the last year. The majority of patients receiving non-primary care-based services, who were not up to date with mammography screening, were from historically underserved groups including Black and Hispanic patients.

CONCLUSION

Nearly 10% to 30% of participants who have not obtained recommended breast cancer screening have visited non-primary care-based services including urgent care centers or emergency rooms or have been hospitalized within the last year.

Lung cancer in the emergency department

Background

Though decreasing in incidence and mortality in the USA, lung cancer remains the deadliest of all cancers. For a significant number of patients, the emergency department (ED) provides the first pivotal step in lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and management. As screening recommendations and treatments advance, ED providers must stay up-to-date with the latest lung cancer recommendations. The purpose of this review is to identify the many ways that emergency providers may intersect with the disease spectrum of lung cancer and provide an updated array of knowledge regarding detection, management, complications, and interdisciplinary care.

Findings

Lung cancer, encompassing 10-12% of cancer-related emergency department visits and a 66% admission rate, is the most fatal malignancy in both men and women. Most patients presenting to the ED have not seen a primary care provider or undergone screening. Ultimately, half of those with a new lung cancer diagnosis in the ED die within 1 year. Incidental findings on computed tomography are mostly benign, but emergency staff must be aware of the factors that make them high risk. Radiologic presentations range from asymptomatic nodules to diffuse metastatic lesions with predominately pulmonary symptoms, and some may present with extra-thoracic manifestations including neurologic. The short-term prognosis for ED lung cancer patients is worse than that of other malignancies. Screening offers new hope through earlier diagnosis but is underutilized which may be due to racial and socioeconomic disparities. New treatments provide optimism but lead to new complications, some long-term. Multidisciplinary care is essential, and emergency medicine is responsible for the disposition of patients to the appropriate specialists at inpatient and outpatient centers.

Conclusion

ED providers are intimately involved in all aspects of lung cancer care. Risk factor modification and referral for lung cancer screening are opportunities to further enhance patient care. In addition, with the advent of newer cancer therapies, ED providers must stay vigilant and up-to-date with all aspects of lung cancer including disparities, staging, symptoms of disease, prognosis, treatment, and therapy-related complications.

Hospital-based preventative interventions for people experiencing homelessness in high-income countries: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

People experiencing homelessness have significant unmet needs and high rates of unplanned care. We aimed to describe preventative interventions, defined in their broadest sense, for people experiencing homelessness in a hospital context. Secondary aims included mapping outcomes and assessing intervention effectiveness.

METHODS

We searched online databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, HMIC, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) from 1999-2019 and conducted backward and forward citation searches to 31 December 2020 (PROSPERO CRD42019154036). We included quantitative studies in emergency and inpatient settings measuring health or social outcomes for adults experiencing homelessness in high income countries. We assessed rigour using the "Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies" and summarised findings using descriptive quantitative methods, a binomial test, a Harvest Plot, and narrative synthesis. We used PRISMA and SWiM reporting guidelines.

FINDINGS

Twenty-eight studies identified eight intervention types: care coordination (n=18); advocacy, support, and outreach (n=13); social welfare assistance (n=13); discharge planning (n=12); homelessness identification (n=6); psychological therapy and treatment (n=6); infectious disease prevention (n=5); and screening, treatment, and referrals (n=5). The evidence strength was weak (n=16) to moderate (n=10), with two high quality randomised controlled trials. We identified six outcome categories with potential benefits observed for psychosocial outcomes, including housing (11/13 studies, 95%CI=54.6-98.1%, p=0.023), healthcare use (14/17, 56.6-96.2%, p=0.013), and healthcare costs (8/8, 63.1-100%, p=0.008). Benefits were less likely for health outcomes (4/5, 28.3-99.5%, p=0.375), integration with onward care (2/4, 6.8-93.2%, p=1.000), and feasibility/acceptability (5/6, 35.9-99.6%, p=0.219), but confidence intervals were very wide. We observed no harms. Most studies showing potential benefits were multi-component interventions.

INTERPRETATION

Hospital-based preventative interventions for people experiencing homelessness are potentially beneficial, but more rigorous research is needed. In the context of high needs and extreme inequities, policymakers and healthcare providers may consider implementing multi-component preventative interventions.

FUNDING

SL is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (ICA-CDRF-2016-02-042). JD is supported by an NIHR School of Public Health Research Pre-doctoral Fellowship (NU-004252). RWA is supported by a Wellcome Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship (206602).

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking Among Adult Emergency Department Patients in Canada

Introduction

Tobacco smoking is a priority public health concern, and a leading cause of death and disability globally. While the daily smoking prevalence in Canada is approximately 9.7%, the proportion of smokers among emergency department (ED) patients has been found to be significantly higher. The purpose of this survey study was to determine the smoking prevalence of adult ED patients presenting to three urban Canadian hospitals, and to determine whether there was an increased prevalence compared to the general public.

Methods

A verbal questionnaire was administered to adult patients aged 18 years and older presenting to Royal University Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Saskatoon City Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. We compared patients’ smoking habits to Fagerström tobacco dependence scores, readiness to quit smoking, chief complaints, Canadian Triage Acuity Scale scores, and willingness to partake in ED-specific cessation interventions.

Results

A total of 1190 eligible patients were approached, and 1078 completed the questionnaire. Adult Saskatoon ED patients demonstrated a cigarette smoking prevalence of 19.6%, which is significantly higher than the adult Saskatchewan public at 14.65% (P<0.0001). Out of the smoking cohort, 51.4% indicated they wanted to quit smoking and would partake in ED-specific cessation counselling, if available. Of the proposed interventions, ED cessation counselling was most popular among patients (62.4%), followed by receiving a pamphlet (56.2%), and referral to a smokers’ quit line (49.5%).

Conclusion

The higher smoking prevalence demonstrated among ED patients highlights the need for a targeted intervention program that is feasible for the fast-paced ED environment. Training ED staff to conduct brief cessation counselling and referral to community supports for follow-up could provide an initial point of contact for smokers not otherwise receiving cessation assistance.

Physical activity prescription by Canadian Emergency Medicine Physicians

An increase in physical activity has been shown to improve outcomes in many diseases. An estimated 600 000 Canadians receive their primary health care from emergency departments (ED). This study aims to examine physical activity prescription by emergency medicine physicians (EPs) to determine factors that influence decisions to prescribe physical activity. A survey was distributed to EPs via email using the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) survey distribution protocol. Responses from 20% (n = 332) of emergency physician/residents in Canada were analyzed. Of the EPs, 62.7% often/always counsel patients about preventative medicine (smoking, diet, and alcohol). Only 12.7% (42) often/always prescribe physical activity. The CCFP-trained physicians (College of Family Physicians Canada) were significantly more likely to feel comfortable than CCFP-EM-trained physicians (Family Physicians with Enhanced Skills in Emergency Medicine) prescribing physical activity (p = 0.0001). Both were significantly more likely than the FRCPC-trained EPs (Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada). Of the EPs, 73.4% (244) believe the ED environment does not allow adequate time for physical activity prescription. Family medicine-trained EPs are more likely to prescribe physical activity; the training they receive may better educate them compared with FRCPC-trained emergency medicine. Further education is required to standardize an approach to ED physical activity prescription.

Health promotion in Fiji: Is it feasible in the emergency department?

OBJECTIVES

Complications of diabetes, hypertension and asthma are commonly seen in EDs in Fiji. Time spent in the ED offers an opportunity for health promotion activities. The aim of the intervention was to provide information on diabetes, hypertension and asthma to patients in the ED. The aim of the project was to determine whether such an intervention could be implemented using public health students. The aim of this paper is to document the experiences of those who delivered and supervised the intervention.

METHODS

This pilot project took place in the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva, in August-October 2015. Patient suitability was assessed by the supervising emergency physician. Patients were invited to receive a 10-min information session relating to asthma, hypertension or diabetes. Once the project had concluded, the students and supervisor were given a questionnaire, requiring them to reflect on their experiences of the project. Data was analysed using an inductive approach with thematic content analysis.

RESULTS

Students required intensive coaching to gain the skills and confidence to deliver the intervention. The intervention was well received by patients, whose knowledge of hypertension, diabetes and asthma was poor.

CONCLUSION

Health literacy among patients in Fiji is low and measures to address this must be taken. Intensive training and supervision is required for public health students to be able to deliver such activities in the ED setting.

Public Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding the Use of Antibiotics and Resistance: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study Among Palestinian Adults

Antibiotics are considered to be among the most commonly sold drug classes in Palestine. Resistance to antibiotics has increased for reasons relating to the use and misuse of antibiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, and attitudes regarding antibiotic use and awareness about resistance among adults visiting the emergency departments at hospitals in North Palestine. A self-administered cross-sectional questionnaire survey involving participants aged 18 or over was conducted from June 2012 to February 2013. Adults who visited the emergency departments at hospitals in North Palestine were included. Demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use were included in the questionnaire. Poor and good knowledge were defined as a total knowledge score of 0-7 and 8-15 of 15 questions, respectively. Attitude scores of 0-3 and 4-7 of 7 questions were considered poor and good, respectively. A total of 375 questionnaires were included in the study. A response rate of 83.3% was attained. About 55.0% of the participants had a good knowledge and 56.5% had a good attitude towards rational antibiotic use. A significant positive correlation was shown between participants' knowledge scores and participants' attitude scores towards antibiotic use (R = 0.344, P = 0.001. Participants with a high family income were more likely to be aware of appropriate antibiotic use than participants with a low family income (P-value <0.001). Participants with a higher educational level (university) had a good attitude towards rational antibiotic use than those with a lower education level (P-value <0.001). This study has documented important knowledge and attitude gaps in antibiotic use. These findings will help health policymakers in Palestine to implement intervention programmes to rationalize antibiotic use. Continuing medical education, professional development and training workshops for healthcare professionals regarding rational use of antibiotics and health risks associated with the spread of antibiotic resistance are needed. In addition, minimizing non-prescription use of antibiotics and increasing the public awareness about the health and economic hazards of antibiotic resistance are also required.

Patients assessed by the liaison psychiatric team in the emergency department of a regional hospital in Canada - general characteristics and gender differences

OBJECTIVE

To describe the characteristics of liaison psychiatric patients in the emergency department (ED) of a medium sized hospital in the oil sands region of Northern Alberta.

METHODS

ED psychiatry services users were evaluated using a data assessment tool designed to capture all relevant demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, 477 patients (48.2% male) were assessed by the psychiatric team over the 12 month period. There was a fairly balanced distribution by age, ethnicity and relationship status between both sexes. The majority of patients with a history of self-harm or childhood sexual abuse were female while male patients were significantly more likely to report medication non-compliance. A higher proportion of female patients had depressive disorders and personality disorders while a higher proportion of male patients had anxiety disorders, bipolar and related disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders and substance-related disorders. Nearly one in five patients was admitted for inpatient treatment with a significantly higher proportion of males being admitted involuntarily.

CONCLUSIONS

There were sex-specific differences in many of the demographic and clinical measures in our ED psychiatric sample. These differences indicate a potential need for targeted education and service initiatives to promote better access to psychiatric services and treatment outcomes.

Adolescents Who Visit the Emergency Department Are More Likely to Make Unhealthy Dietary Choices: An Opportunity for Behavioral Intervention

To identify health behaviors that may be amenable to brief screening and intervention among children in the emergency department (ED), we described the prevalence of health behaviors known to contribute to childhood obesity among middle school students who used the ED recently. Participants included 1590 5th, 7th, and 8th grade students who completed health surveys in 2011. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between health behaviors and ED use. Children who used the ED reported more unhealthy dietary behaviors, including greater consumption of energy-dense foods such as fried chicken, french fries, and ice cream (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06-1.37), fast food (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.14) and sugar-sweetened beverages (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14-1.35). There was no association with fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, or screen time. Unhealthy dietary behaviors are associated with ED use in a low-resource urban population of middle school students.

Innovative approaches to cervical cancer screening for sex trade workers: an international scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Female sex trade workers are among those at highest risk for developing and dying of cervical cancer, and yet many-particularly the most marginalized-are less likely than other women to be screened. This review summarizes global findings on innovative approaches to cervical cancer screening for female sex trade workers, highlights current gaps in the delivery of cervical cancer screening for female sex trade workers globally, and suggests areas for future research and policy development.

DATA SOURCES

A scoping review of peer-reviewed publications and grey literature was conducted. Medline (OVID), PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched for relevant studies written in English. There were no limitations placed on dates. Grey literature was identified by hand searching and through discussion with health care providers and community outreach workers currently working with sex trade workers.

STUDY SELECTION

Twenty-five articles were deemed suitable for review. Articles detailing innovative ways for female sex trade workers to access cervical cancer screening were included. Articles about screening for sexually transmitted infections were also included if the findings could be generalized to screening for cervical cancer. Articles limited to exploring risk factors, knowledge, awareness, education, prevalence, and incidence of cervical cancer among sex trade workers were excluded from the review.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Successful screening initiatives identified in the studies reviewed had unconventional hours of operation, understood the difference between street-based and venue-based sex trade workers, and/or used peers for outreach.

CONCLUSION

Two significant gaps in health care service delivery were highlighted in this review: the limited use of unorthodox hours and the nearly exclusive practice of providing sexually transmitted infection screening for female sex trade workers without cervical cancer screening. In addition, although street-based (as opposed to venue-based) sex trade workers are likely at higher risk for developing cervical cancer, they are much less likely than other eligible women to participate in screening programs, meaning traditional outreach methods are unlikely to be successful.

Efficacy of emergency department-initiated tobacco control--systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of emergency department-initiated tobacco control (ETC).

METHODS

Literature search in 7 databases and gray literature sources. Point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 1-, 3-, 6-, and/or 12-month follow-up was abstracted from each study. The proportionate effect (relative risk) of ETC on tobacco abstinence was calculated separately for each study and follow-up time and pooled, at different follow-up times, by Mantel-Haenszel relative risks. The effects of ETC on combined point prevalence tobacco abstinence across all follow-up times were calculated using generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Seven studies with overall 1,986 participants were included. The strongest effect of ETC on point prevalence tobacco abstinence was found at 1 month: Relative risk (RR) = 1.47 (3 studies) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-2.06), while the effect at 3, 6, and 12 months was RR = 1.24 (6 studies) (95% CI: 0.93-1.65); 1.13 (5 studies) (95% CI: 0.86-1.49); and 1.25 (1 study) (95% CI: 0.91-1.72). The benefit on combined point prevalence tobacco abstinence was RR = 1.33 (7 studies) (95% CI: 0.96-1.83), p = .08; with RR = 1.33 (95% CI: 0.92-1.92), p = .10, for the 5 studies combining motivational interviewing and booster phone calls.

CONCLUSIONS

ETC combining motivational interviewing and booster phone calls showed a trend toward increased episodically measured tobacco abstinence up to 12 months. More methodologically rigorous trials are needed to effectively evaluate the impact of ETC.

Changes in eye protection behavior following an occupational eye injury

This study investigated whether workers modify eye protection behavior following an occupational eye injury. Workers treated for work-related eye injuries were questioned regarding the use of protective eyewear for the work-month prior to their eye injuries and again 6 to 12 months later. Workers reported an increase in the proportion of work-time they used eye protection (from a median of 20% to 100%; p < .0001). The effect appeared to be driven by whether eye protection was used at the time of the injury. Most respondents (66%) indicated they were more likely to use eye protection since their injuries. Workers not using eye protection at the time of injury were more likely to use eye protection in the future. A variety of employer and employee factors may influence this change. Although many workers' behaviors changed, health care providers should embrace the teachable moment when treating occupational eye injuries to encourage continued use or more appropriate forms of eye protection.

Changes in eye protection behavior following an occupational eye injury

This study investigated whether workers modify eye protection behavior following an occupational eye injury. Workers treated for work-related eye injuries were questioned regarding the use of protective eyewear for the work-month prior to their eye injuries and again 6 to 12 months later. Workers reported an increase in the proportion of work-time they used eye protection (from a median of 20% to 100%; p < .0001). The effect appeared to be driven by whether eye protection was used at the time of the injury. Most respondents (66%) indicated they were more likely to use eye protection since their injuries. Workers not using eye protection at the time of injury were more likely to use eye protection in the future. A variety of employer and employee factors may influence this change. Although many workers' behaviors changed, health care providers should embrace the teachable moment when treating occupational eye injuries to encourage continued use or more appropriate forms of eye protection.

The feasibility and effectiveness of emergency department based hypertension screening: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Hypertension is a highly prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its early identification and management results in reductions in morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to: (1) determine the extent to which the emergency department (ED) has been used to screen patients for undiagnosed hypertension; (2) estimate the incidence of undiagnosed hypertension in the ED population; (3) identify and describe the programs for ED hypertension screening; and (4) determine the feasibility of ED-based hypertension screening programs and the requirements for further study.

DATA SOURCES

An online search of databases (i.e., OVID Search, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science), unpublished sources (i.e., ProQuest Dissertation & Theses and Papers First), and grey literature (i.e., OpenSIGLE and the New York Academy of Grey Literature) was conducted. A manual search of the reference lists of relevant studies was also completed.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension screening in the ED is feasible. Individuals with elevated blood pressure (BP) in the ED should be referred for follow-up. Further study is needed to develop an ED screening tool that is predictive of persistently elevated BP in undiagnosed individuals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurse practitioners in the ED should identify patients with elevated BP, provide hypertension education, and ensure appropriate intervention and referral.

Computer-facilitated rapid HIV testing in emergency care settings: provider and patient usability and acceptability

Providers in emergency care settings (ECSs) often face barriers to expanded HIV testing. We undertook formative research to understand the potential utility of a computer tool, "CARE," to facilitate rapid HIV testing in ECSs. Computer tool usability and acceptability were assessed among 35 adult patients, and provider focus groups were held, in two ECSs in Washington State and Maryland. The computer tool was usable by patients of varying computer literacy. Patients appreciated the tool's privacy and lack of judgment and their ability to reflect on HIV risks and create risk reduction plans. Staff voiced concerns regarding ECS-based HIV testing generally, including resources for follow-up of newly diagnosed people. Computer-delivered HIV testing support was acceptable and usable among low-literacy populations in two ECSs. Such tools may help circumvent some practical barriers associated with routine HIV testing in busy settings though linkages to care will still be needed.

Frequency of 5+/4+ drinks as a screener for drug use and drug-use disorders

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to test the ability of a question on frequency of drinking 5+ (for men) or 4+ (for women) drinks to screen for drug use and drug-use disorders (DUDs) in a general population sample.

METHOD

Using data collected in 2001-2002 from a representative U.S. adult population sample (N= 43,093), including a subsample of those with past-year emergency-department use (n = 8,525), past-year frequency of drinking 5+/4+ drinks was evaluated as a screener for drug use and DUDs for four categories of illicit drugs.

RESULTS

Sensitivities and specificities of the 5+/4+ drinks screener were 72.4% and 76.6% for any drug dependence, 71.9% and 77.3% for any DUD, and 63.3% and 78.9% for any drug use in the general population. Sensitivities and specificities were higher for marijuana and cocaine/crack and lowest for illicit prescription drugs. Optimal screening cut-points were once a month or more for cocaine/crack dependence, either once or more a month or seven or more times a year for cocaine/crack DUDs, seven or more times a year for cocaine/crack use, and once or more a year for the other drug use and DUD measures. Sensitivity and specificity were similar among adults who had visited an emergency department in the past year, and the optimal screening cutpoints were identical.

CONCLUSIONS

Past-year frequency of drinking 5+/4+ drinks was quite accurate as a screener for past-year marijuana and cocaine/crack use and DUDs, but it was less accurate for illicit prescription drug use and DUDs. Its drug-screening potential can be thought of as "added value" from an item already likely to be asked in the interest of detecting problem drinking. Future work may consider using the alcohol consumption screener as a starting point, with follow-up questions to assess illicit drug use among those who screen positive.

Effectiveness of intervention on improvement of drug use among methadone maintained adults

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of three interventions (individual motivational interviewing, group motivational interviewing, or nurse-led hepatitis health promotion) in reducing drug use. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 256 methadone maintained moderate-to-heavy alcohol-using adults attending one of five MM outpatient clinics. Drug use in the overall sample was significantly reduced from baseline to 6-month follow-up, as assessed by a 30-day recall (p < 0.0001), with a trend apparent for 6-month recall (p = 0.09). The group and individual programs revealed significant decreases in drug use at the 30-day recall.

Mammography promotion in the emergency department: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this pilot study is to assess the need, desire, and applicability of a mammography promotion project in the emergency department (ED).

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

A convenience sample from the ED of a public University hospital was surveyed to determine their mammography status, interest in a program to promote mammography, and barriers to mammography.

MEASURES

The survey included demographics information, health care access, including health insurance and primary care provider, mammography status and date of mammogram, as well as a checklist of potential barriers. Participants were also asked whether they would be interested in mammography promotion in this setting.

RESULTS

More than 15% of the 197 women surveyed had never received a mammogram, and more than half had not received 1 in the past year. The most common barriers to mammography were competing demands and money. Three quarters of the women said they would be interested in mammography promotion while waiting for care in the ED.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides promise that mammography promotion activities may be appropriately placed in the ED and provides a solid platform from which researchers and nurses may launch efforts to develop preventive health interventions in innovative public health care settings.

Predictors of hepatitis knowledge improvement among methadone maintained clients enrolled in a hepatitis intervention program

This randomized, controlled study (n = 256) was conducted to compare three interventions designed to promote hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination completion, among clients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. The participants were randomized into three groups: Motivational Interviewing-Single Session (MI-Single), Motivational Interviewing-Group (MI-Group), or Nurse-Led Hepatitis Health Promotion (HHP). All three treatment groups received the 3-series HAV/HBV vaccine. The MI sessions were provided by trained therapists, the Nurse-Led HHP sessions were delivered by a research nurse. The main outcome variable of interest was improvement in HBV and HCV knowledge, measured by a 6-item HBV and a 7-item HCV knowledge and attitude tool that was administered at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. The study results showed that there was a significant increase in HBV- and HCV-related knowledge across all three groups (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences found with respect to knowledge acquisition among the groups. Irrespective of treatment group, gender (P = 0.008), study site (P < 0.0001) and whether a participant was abused as a child (P = 0.017) were all found to be predictors of HCV knowledge improvement; only recruitment site (P < 0.0001) was found to be a predictor of HBV knowledge. The authors concluded that, although MI-Single, MI-Group and Nurse-Led HHP are all effective in promoting HBV and HCV knowledge acquisition among MMT clients, Nurse-Led HHP may be the method of choice for this population as it may be easier to integrate and with additional investigation may prove to be more cost efficient.

Multicenter study of preferences for health education in the emergency department population

OBJECTIVES

Emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly proposed as high-yield venues for providing preventive health education to a population at risk for unhealthy behaviors and unmet primary care needs. This study sought to determine the preferred health education topics and teaching modality among ED patients and visitors.

METHODS

For two 24-hour periods, patients aged 18 years and older presenting to four Boston EDs were consecutively enrolled, and waiting room visitors were surveyed every 3 hours. The survey assessed interest in 28 health conditions and topics, which were further classified into nine composite health education categories. Also assessed was the participants' preferred teaching modality.

RESULTS

Among 1,321 eligible subjects, 1,010 (76%) completed the survey, of whom 56% were patients and 44% were visitors. Among the health conditions, respondents were most interested in learning about stress and depression (32%). Among the health topics, respondents were most interested in exercise and nutrition (43%). With regard to learning modality, 34% of subjects chose brochures/book, 25% video, 24% speaking with an expert, 14% using a computer, and 3% another mode of learning (e.g., a class). Speaking with an expert was the overall preferred modality for those with less than high school education and Hispanics, as well as those interested in HIV screening, youth violence, and stroke. Video was the preferred modality for those interested in learning more about depression, alcohol, drugs, firearm safety, and smoke detectors.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency department patients and visitors were most interested in health education on stress, depression, exercise, and nutrition, compared to topics more commonly targeted to the ED population such as substance abuse, sexual health (including HIV testing), and injury prevention. Despite many recent innovations in health education, most ED patients and visitors in our study preferred the traditional form of books and brochures. Future ED health education efforts may be optimized by taking into account the learning preferences of the target ED population.

Predictors of HAV/HBV vaccination completion among methadone maintenance clients

This randomized, controlled study (N = 256) was conducted to compare three interventions designed to promote hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination completion among clients undergoing methadone maintenance (MM) treatment. Participants were recruited from five MM treatment sites in Southern California and randomized into three groups: Motivational Interviewing-Single (MI-Single), Motivational Interviewing-Group (MI-Group); and Nurse-Led Hepatitis Health Promotion (HHP). All were offered the three-series HAV/HBV vaccine. A total of 148 participants completed the vaccine. Groups did not differ in rate of vaccination completion (73.6%, HHP group, vs. 65% and 69% for the MI-Single and MI-Group, respectively). The equivalence of findings across groups suggests the value of including nurses with a comprehensive health focus in promoting vaccination completion.

Disparities in cancer screening: acceptance of Pap smears among homeless women

AIMS

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease through screening and early treatment. Rates of cervical cancer are higher in impoverished women, including homeless women. This study assessed the acceptance of free and accessible Pap smears offered to homeless women in a respite care setting.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 205 adult women receiving respite care at a facility for homeless people in Boston, Massachusetts, between 2004 and 2007 were offered screening for cervical cancer during routine encounters with the medical staff during their stay. Rates of acceptance of screening as well as medical and sociodemographic information were collected on the women.

RESULTS

Of 205 women enrolled in the study, 129 (63%) were in need of screening and offered a Pap smear; 80 (62%) accepted and 49 (38%) declined. Of those who agreed to be tested, 56 (70%) had a Pap smear performed, resulting in 10 (18%) atypical results (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASCUS] or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LGSIL]) and 15 (27%) benign findings needing follow-up (e.g., vaginitis without evidence of malignancy).

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of homeless women receiving respite care decline a free Pap smear despite being in medical need of cervical cancer screening. Access and cost may not be the only barriers to screening among homeless women, and new and innovative approaches to screening in vulnerable populations need to be investigated in order to close the disparity gap.

Effect of motivational interviewing on reduction of alcohol use

BACKGROUND

Methadone-maintained (MM) clients who engage in excessive alcohol use are at high risk for HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Nurse-led hepatitis health promotion (HHP) may be one strategy to decrease alcohol use in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of nurse-led HHP, delivered by nurses compared to motivational interviewing (MI), delivered by trained therapists in group sessions or one-on-one on reduction of alcohol use.

METHODS

A three-arm randomized, controlled trial, conducted with 256 MM adults attending one of five MM outpatient clinics in the Los Angeles area. Within each site, moderate-to-heavy alcohol-using MM participants were randomized into one of three conditions: (1) nurse-led hepatitis health promotion group sessions (n=87); (2) MI delivered in group sessions (MI-group; n=79), or (3) MI delivered one-on-one sessions (MI-single, n=90).

RESULTS

Self-reported alcohol use was reduced from a median of 90 drinks/month at baseline to 60 drinks/month at 6-month follow-up. A Wilcoxon sign-rank test indicated a significant reduction in alcohol use in the total sample (p<.05). In multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for alcohol consumption at baseline and other covariates, no differences by condition were found.

DISCUSSION

As compared to two programs delivered by MI specialists, a culturally-sensitive and easy to implement nurse-led HHP program produced similar reductions in alcohol use over 6 months. Employing nurse-led programs may allow cost savings for treatment programs as well as a greater integration of alcohol reduction counseling along with a more comprehensive focus on general health-related issues than previously conducted.

Emergency department-initiated tobacco control: a randomised controlled trial in an inner city university hospital

Objectives:

Emergency department (ED) patients show high smoking rates. The effects of ED-initiated tobacco control (ETC) on 7-day abstinence at 12 months were investigated.

Methods:

A randomised controlled intention-to-treat trial (trials registry no.: ISRCTN41527831) was conducted with 1044 patients in an urban ED. ETC consisted of on-site counselling plus up to four telephone booster sessions. Controls received usual care. Analysis was by logistic regression.

Results:

In all, 630 (60.7%) participants were males, the median age was 30 years (range 18–81) and the median smoking intensity was 15 (range 1–60) cigarettes per day. Overall, 580 study participants (55.6%) were unmotivated, 331 (31.7%) were ambivalent and 133 (12.7%) were motivated smokers. ETC (median time 30 (range 1–99) min) was administered to 472 (91.7% out of 515) randomised study participants. At follow-up, 685 study participants (65.6% of 1044) could be contacted. In the ETC group, 73 out of 515 (14.2%) in the ETC group were abstinent, whereas 60 out of 529 (11.3%) controls were abstinent (OR adjusted for age and gender = 1.31 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.89, p = 0.15). Stratified for motivation to change behaviour, the adjusted ORs for ETC versus usual care were OR = 1.00 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.76) in unmotivated smokers, respectively OR = 1.37 (95% CI 0.73 to 2.58) in ambivalent smokers and OR = 2.19 (95% CI 0.98 to 4.89) in motivated smokers, p for trend = 0.29.

Conclusions:

ETC, in the form of on-site counselling with up to four telephone booster sessions, showed no overall effect on tobacco abstinence after 12 months. A non-significant trend for a better performance of ETC in more motivated smokers was observed.

Health care utilization and costs associated with childhood abuse

BACKGROUND

Physical and sexual childhood abuse is associated with poor health across the lifespan. However, the association between these types of abuse and actual health care use and costs over the long run has not been documented.

OBJECTIVE

To examine long-term health care utilization and costs associated with physical, sexual, or both physical and sexual childhood abuse.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Three thousand three hundred thirty-three women (mean age, 47 years) randomly selected from the membership files of a large integrated health care delivery system.

MEASUREMENTS

Automated annual health care utilization and costs were assembled over an average of 7.4 years for women with physical only, sexual only, or both physical and sexual childhood abuse (as reported in a telephone survey), and for women without these abuse histories (reference group).

RESULTS

Significantly higher annual health care use and costs were observed for women with a child abuse history compared to women without comparable abuse histories. The most pronounced use and costs were observed for women with a history of both physical and sexual child abuse. Women with both abuse types had higher annual mental health (relative risk [RR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.67-2.57); emergency department (RR = 1.86; 95%CI = 1.47-2.35); hospital outpatient (RR = 1.35 = 95%CI = 1.10-1.65); pharmacy (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.57; 95%CI = 1.33-1.86); primary care (IRR = 1.41; 95%CI = 1.28-1.56); and specialty care use (IRR = 1.32; 95%CI = 1.13-1.54). Total adjusted annual health care costs were 36% higher for women with both abuse types, 22% higher for women with physical abuse only, and 16% higher for women with sexual abuse only.

CONCLUSIONS

Child abuse is associated with long-term elevated health care use and costs, particularly for women who suffer both physical and sexual abuse.

Did a health dialogue matter? Self-reported cardiovascular disease and diabetes 11 years after health screening

OBJECTIVE

To study the potential impact of health screening, with or without a motivational health dialogue, on the risk and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes (DM).

DESIGN

Two cross-sectional studies with an interval of 11 years.

SETTING

The community of Härnösand, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

In the first study, 402 men born in 1934, 1944, or 1954 underwent health screening for CVD prevention in 1989. In the second study, 415 men (of the same ages) completed a questionnaire in 2000 (11 years later).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Odds ratio (OR) for self-reported CVD and DM.

RESULTS

The odds ratio of self-reported CVD and DM was more than doubled among participants in the health screening without a health dialogue (OR 2.5; 95% CI 0.8-7.4) and threefold for those not participating (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.0-8.8) compared with those who reported participation in health screening that included a structured health dialogue.

CONCLUSIONS

Health screening for the prevention of CVD and DM benefits from inclusion of a structured, motivational health dialogue.