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Ahn ES, Kim KH, Park JH, Song KJ, Shin SD. Disparity in guideline adherence for prehospital care according to patient age in emergency medical service transport for moderate to severe trauma. Injury 2024; 55:111630. [PMID: 38839516 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.111630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the association between patient age and guideline adherence for prehospital care in emergency medical services (EMS) for moderate to severe trauma. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study that used a nationwide EMS-based trauma database from 2016 to 2019. Adult trauma patients whose injury severity score was greater than or equal to nine were screened, and those with cardiac arrest or without outcome data were excluded. The enrolled patients were categorized into four groups according to patient age: young (<45 years), middle-aged (45-64 years), old (65-84 years), and very old (>84 years). The primary outcome was guideline adherence, which was defined as following all prehospital care components: airway management for level of consciousness below verbal response, oxygen supply for pulse oximetry under 94 %, intravenous fluid administration for systolic blood pressure under 90 mmHg, scene resuscitation time within 10 min, and transport to the trauma center or level 1 emergency department. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs). RESULTS Among the 430,365 EMS-treated trauma patients, 38,580 patients were analyzed-9,573 (24.8 %) in the young group, 15,296 (39.7 %) in the middle-aged group, 9,562 (24.8 %) in the old group, and 4,149 (10.8 %) in the very old group. The main analysis revealed a lower probability of guideline adherence in the old group (aOR 95 % CI = 0.84 (0.76-0.94)) and very old group (aOR 95 % CI = 0.68 (0.58-0.81)) than in the young group. CONCLUSION We found disparities in guideline adherence for prehospital care according to patient age at the time of EMS assessment of moderate to severe trauma. Considering this disparity, the prehospital trauma triage and management for older patients needs to be improved and educated to EMS providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Seon Ahn
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea
| | - Ki Hong Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea; Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jeong Ho Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea; Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Jun Song
- Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea; Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Korea
| | - Sang Do Shin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Korea; Laboratory of Emergency Medical Services, Seoul National University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Korea
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Hancock DW, Haussner W, Chang ESI, Barghout R, Lachs J, LeesHaggerty K, Cannell B, Zhang SX, Daniels B, Stern M, Sharma R, Rosen T. Elder Mistreatment Documentation by Prehospital Clinicians: An Analysis of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System Database. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39212368 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2024.2397524] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Elder mistreatment (EM), encompassing abuse and neglect, is a significant public health issue, affecting up to 10% of community-dwelling older adults annually. Elder mistreatment is a growing concern with a higher prevalence in institutional settings and substantial associated healthcare costs. Prehospital clinicians (PHCs) such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics are uniquely positioned to detect and report EM during their interactions with older adults in their homes. The objective of the study is to describe the rate and characteristics of EM documented by PHCs using the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) database. METHODS This study analyzed data from NEMSIS, which includes standardized information about PHC emergency response encounters across the United States. In 2018, 22,532,890 activations were included from 9,599 agencies in 43 states and US territories. Elder mistreatment was identified using specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes related to EM. Demographic data, injury location, and associated physical findings were also examined. RESULTS Out of 9,605,522 EMS encounters for patients aged ≥60, EM was coded in 1,765 encounters (0.02%). Most EM cases were listed as the cause of injury (64%), followed by the clinician's first impression (25.4%). Physical abuse was the most common type of mistreatment reported (20.8%), followed by sexual abuse (18.2%), neglect (9.7%), and psychological/emotional abuse (0.34%). The median age of patients with documented EM was 72, and 62.3% were female. The most common anatomic locations of injuries were the lower extremities, head, and upper extremities. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high prevalence of EM, PHCs infrequently document EM in their encounters with older adults. Additional training and comprehensive protocols are needed to improve the identification and reporting of EM, mainly elder neglect. Empowering PHCs through education and protocol development can significantly impact the detection and intervention of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Hancock
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | | | - E-Shien Iggy Chang
- Department of Geriatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Rana Barghout
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Joshua Lachs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | | | - Brad Cannell
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health-Dallas Campus
| | - Sharon Xuan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health-Dallas Campus
| | - Brock Daniels
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Michael Stern
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Rahul Sharma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Tony Rosen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital
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Holmberg B, Svensson A, Helge A, Bremer A. Self-determination in older patients: Experiences from nurse-dominated ambulance services. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38523337 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
AIM To describe ambulance clinicians' experiences of self-determination in older patients. DESIGN The study had an inductive and explorative design, guided from a life-world perspective. METHODS Thirty-two Swedish ambulance clinicians were interviewed in six focus groups in November 2019. The data were analysed with content analysis, developing manifest categories and latent themes. FINDINGS The ambulance clinicians assessed the older patients' exercise of self-determination by engaging in conversation and by being visually alert, to eventually gain an overall picture of their decision-making capacity. This assessment was used as a platform when informing older patients of their rights, thus promoting their participation in care. Having limited time and narrow guidelines counteracted ambulance clinicians' ambitions to support older patients' general desire to avoid hospitalization, which resulted in an urge to displace their responsibility to external decision-makers. CONCLUSION Expectations that older patients with impaired decision-making ability will give homogeneous responses mean an increased risk of ageist attitudes with a simplified view of patient autonomy. Such attitudes risk the withholding of information about options that healthcare professionals do not wish older patients to choose. When decision-making is difficult, requests for expanded guidelines may paradoxically risk alienation from the professional nursing role. IMPLICATIONS AND IMPACT The findings show ambulance clinicians' unwillingness to shoulder their professional responsibility when encountering older patients with impaired decision-making ability. In assuming that all older patients reason in the same way, ambulance clinicians tend to adopt a simplistic and somewhat ageist approach when it comes to patient autonomy. This points to deficiencies in ethical competence, which is why increased ethics support is deemed suitable to promote and develop ethical competence. Such support can increase the ability to act as autonomous professionals in accordance with professional ethical codes. REPORTING METHOD This study adhered to COREQ guidelines. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil Holmberg
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Adam Helge
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Bremer
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
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Brito AAOD, Vasconcelos BBD, Santos AMRD, Lima DDO, Madeira MZDA, Sá GGDM, Nolêto JDS, Oliveira RKCD. Factors associated with external causes in elderly attended by the mobile emergency care service. Rev Gaucha Enferm 2024; 45:e20230005. [PMID: 38451621 DOI: 10.1590/1983-1447.2024.20230005.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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency care service. METHOD Cross-sectional study with 1,972 pre-hospital care records of elderly victims of external causes from 2019 to 2020. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS The prevalence of external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency service was 12.2%. Falling was the most frequent occurrence. The associations of the occurrence of falls with age from 90 years old (OR=29.31; p<0.001) and female gender (OR=5.38; p<0.001) stood out, as well as the suspicion of ingestion of alcoholic beverages with occurrence of violence (OR=4.17; p<0.001) and traffic accidents (OR=1.97; p<0.001). CONCLUSION The study showed factors associated with injuries due to external causes in theelderly and may support the formulation of coping strategies for this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Débora de Oliveira Lima
- Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem. Teresina, Piauí, Brasil
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Silawan T, Powwattana A, Ponsen P, Ninkarnjanakun N. Promoting the Wellness of Older Adults through Integrated Health-Promoting Programs and Supportive Peers: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Semi-Urban Communities of Northeastern Thailand. J Prim Care Community Health 2024; 15:21501319241241456. [PMID: 38523428 PMCID: PMC10962033 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241241456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Thailand has approached an aged society in which the proportion of older adults rose from 5% in 1995 to 20.7% in 2022 and is projected to increase to 27.2% in 2030. Older adults face health risks and challenges, requiring supportive care. This research aimed to promote the wellness of older adults through Integrated Health-Promoting Programs and Supportive Peers (IHPP-SP) in semi-urban communities. METHODS A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted among 229 older adults from 22 communities. The interventions covered analyzing community situations and determinants, designing and developing IHPP-SP, enhancing the capabilities of supportive peers, and establishing a support system. Mean and proportion differences were analyzed using the paired t-test and McNemar test. RESULTS After implementing IHPP-SP, the mean score significantly increased for happiness (P = .004), Activities of Daily Living: ADLs (P = .034), and family support (P < .001), but did not differ regarding depression (P = .413). The proportion of healthy behaviors significantly increased for tobacco use (P = .035), dietary intake (P = .018), and physical activity (P < .001), but not for alcohol consumption (P = .377). CONCLUSIONS The IHPP-SP provided potential benefits to promote the wellness of older adults.
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Dunn TE, Desai KJ, Krajewski MP, Jacobs DM, Lu CH, Paul S, Paladino JA. Pharmacists and transitions of care from emergency department to home. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE 2023; 29:715-719. [PMID: 38170487 PMCID: PMC10926005 DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2023.89473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the impact of a pharmacist-led telephone outreach program among patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) to home. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a randomized controlled study from February to November 2019 at a tertiary care academic medical center. METHODS At ED discharge, participants were randomly assigned to usual care (controls) or usual care plus the pharmacist's review (intervention group). Eligible individuals included those being discharged from the ED to home with 8 or more medications. A pharmacist telephoned patients in the intervention group within 48 to 96 hours after ED discharge. The medications in the patient's record from the ED were compared with what the patient was taking at home. Discrepancies were communicated to the primary provider via fax or telephone. The primary outcome was overall health care utilization including unplanned hospital readmissions or ED visits within 30 days of discharge. The effect of the intervention on the number of acute events was analyzed using a Poisson regression model adjusting for relevant baseline characteristics. RESULTS Of 90 eligible participants, 45 patients each were in the intervention and control groups. A total of 26 patients (58%) in the intervention group were reached, and 56 interventions were provided by the pharmacists. There was no significant difference between groups for overall health care utilization (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.50-2.06; P = .96), hospitalizations (aRR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.02-2.18; P = .19), and ED visits (aRR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.56-2.79; P = .59). CONCLUSIONS A pharmacist-led telephone outreach program conducted after ED discharge was not associated with a change in health care utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Chi-Hua Lu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 3435 Main St, 344 Abbott Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214. . ORCID: 0000-0001-9647-4363
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Mathias DV, Stellenberg| PEL, van der Heever DM. Situation Analysis of Healthcare Standards and Criteria That Contribute to the Care of Residents in Homes for Older People in Tanzania. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2022; 8:23337214221141272. [PMCID: PMC9716609 DOI: 10.1177/23337214221141272] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Problems experienced in homes for older people in Tanzania highlighted the need for a situation analysis of healthcare standards to identify the baseline of care provided to residents in these homes. This study conducted a situation analysis of structure healthcare standards and associated criteria with the aim of contributing to improved quality of care for residents in homes for older people in Tanzania. Thirty-two homes for older people in Tanzania were audited using an audit instrument that included seven fields, 26 structure standards, and 262 associated criteria. The analysis showed that overall, the homes were non-compliant with healthcare structure standards and associated criteria. The Tanzanian Government should urgently introduce measures to address the missing standards and associated criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dr Victor Mathias
- Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,Victor Mathias, Aga Khan University, Dar es Salaam Campus, P. O. Box 38129, Tanzania. Emails: ;
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Pre-hospital peripheral intravenous catheter insertion practice: An integrative review. Australas Emerg Care 2022:S2588-994X(22)00067-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.auec.2022.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Belmin J, Villani P, Gay M, Fabries S, Havreng-Théry C, Malvoisin S, Denis F, Veyron JH. Real-world implementation of an eHealth system based on an artificial intelligence designed to predict and reduce emergency department visits by older adults: pragmatic trial. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e40387. [PMID: 35921685 PMCID: PMC9501682 DOI: 10.2196/40387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frail older people use emergency services extensively, and digital systems that monitor health remotely could be useful in reducing these visits by earlier detection of worsening health conditions. Objective We aimed to implement a system that produces alerts when the machine learning algorithm identifies a short-term risk for an emergency department (ED) visit and examine health interventions delivered after these alerts and users’ experience. This study highlights the feasibility of the general system and its performance in reducing ED visits. It also evaluates the accuracy of alerts’ prediction. Methods An uncontrolled multicenter trial was conducted in community-dwelling older adults receiving assistance from home aides (HAs). We implemented an eHealth system that produces an alert for a high risk of ED visits. After each home visit, the HAs completed a questionnaire on participants’ functional status, using a smartphone app, and the information was processed in real time by a previously developed machine learning algorithm that identifies patients at risk of an ED visit within 14 days. In case of risk, the eHealth system alerted a coordinating nurse who could then inform the family carer and the patient’s nurses or general practitioner. The primary outcomes were the rate of ED visits and the number of deaths after alert-triggered health interventions (ATHIs) and users’ experience with the eHealth system; the secondary outcome was the accuracy of the eHealth system in predicting ED visits. Results We included 206 patients (mean age 85, SD 8 years; 161/206, 78% women) who received aid from 109 HAs, and the mean follow-up period was 10 months. The HAs monitored 2656 visits, which resulted in 405 alerts. Two ED visits were recorded following 131 alerts with an ATHI (2/131, 1.5%), whereas 36 ED visits were recorded following 274 alerts that did not result in an ATHI (36/274, 13.4%), corresponding to an odds ratio of 0.10 (95% IC 0.02-0.43; P<.001). Five patients died during the study. All had alerts, 4 did not have an ATHI and were hospitalized, and 1 had an ATHI (P=.04). In terms of overall usability, the digital system was easy to use for 90% (98/109) of HAs, and response time was acceptable for 89% (98/109) of them. Conclusions The eHealth system has been successfully implemented, was appreciated by users, and produced relevant alerts. ATHIs were associated with a lower rate of ED visits, suggesting that the eHealth system might be effective in lowering the number of ED visits in this population. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT05221697; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05221697.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joël Belmin
- Hôpital Charles Foix, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Ivry-sur-Seine, FR.,Laboratoire Informatique Médicale et Ingénierie des Connaissances en eSanté (UMRS 1142), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale and Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, Paris, FR
| | - Patrick Villani
- Unité de médecine interne, gériatrie et thérapeutique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, FR.,Université Aix-Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Etablissement Français du Sang, Anthropologie bio-culturelle, Droit, Ethique et Santé, Marseille, FR
| | - Mathias Gay
- Communauté professionnelle de santé Itinéraire Santé, Marseille, FR
| | - Stéphane Fabries
- Intervenants Libéraux et Hospitaliers Unis pour le Patient, Marseille, FR
| | - Charlotte Havreng-Théry
- Laboratoire Informatique Médicale et Ingénierie des Connaissances en eSanté (UMRS 1142), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale and Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, Paris, FR.,PRESAGE, 72 boulevard de Sébastopol, Paris, FR
| | | | - Fabrice Denis
- Institut Inter-Régional de Cancérologie Jean Bernard, Le Mans, FR
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Hirschhorn RM, Kerr ZY, Mensch JM, Huggins RA, Dompier TP, Rudisill C, Yeargin SW. Epidemiology of Emergency Medical Services Activations for Sport-Related Injuries in the United States. Cureus 2022; 14:e27403. [PMID: 36046296 PMCID: PMC9419755 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Literature examining emergency medical services (EMS) activations for sport-related injuries is limited to the pediatric, high school, and collegiate student-athlete populations, excluding older individuals and recreational athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine EMS activations for sport-related injuries using the National EMS Information System Database from 2017-2018. Methods Data were obtained using the National EMS Information System Database from 2017-2018. EMS activations were limited to 9-1-1 responses for individuals aged 3-99 who sustained a sports-related injury. Independent variables included patient age group: pediatric (<18 years old) vs. adult (≥18 years old). Dependent variables were patient age, gender, and chief complaint anatomic location. Frequencies and proportions were calculated for each variable. Injury proportion ratios (IPRs) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare chief complaint anatomic location by age group. Results There were 71,322 sport-related injuries. Patients were 36.6±22.9 years and most (58.1%, n=41,132) were male. Adults had higher proportions of injuries affecting the abdomen (IPR: 2.05, 95%CI: 1.83, 2.31), chest (IPR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.75, 2.05), general/global (IPR: 1.54, 95%CI: 1.50, 1.58), and genitalia (IPR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.39, 4.15), and lower proportions of injuries affecting the back (IPR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.50, 0.60), lower extremity (IPR: 0.63, 95%CI: 0.60, 0.65), upper extremity (IPR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.47, 0.53), head (IPR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.70, 0.77), and neck (IPR: 0.18, 95%CI: 0.16, 0.20) compared to pediatric patients. Conclusion Injuries sustained differed between adult and pediatric patients, indicating sport-related emergencies may change across the lifespan. General/global chief complaints likely indicate sport-related injuries affecting multiple anatomic locations and organ systems. Stakeholders planning large or high-risk athletic events should consider arranging standby or dedicated advanced life support units for their events.
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Microbial contamination on ambulance surfaces: A systematic literature review. J Hosp Infect 2022; 122:44-59. [PMID: 35031392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving medical treatment in a healthcare facility. During ambulatory transport, the patient may be exposed to pathogens transmitted from emergency medical service (EMS) personnel or EMS surfaces. AIM To determine whether organisms commonly associated with HAIs have been detected on surfaces in the patient care compartment of ambulances. METHODS Five electronic databases - PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar were used to search for articles using inclusion and exclusion criteria following the PRISMA checklist. Inclusion criteria consisted of articles published in English, between 2009 - 2020, had positive samples collected from the patient care compartment of a ground ambulance, and reported sample collection methods of either swab sampling and/or Replicate Organism Detection and Counting (RODAC) contact plates. Studies not meeting these criteria were excluded from this review. FINDINGS From a total of 1,376 articles identified, 16 were included in the review. Organisms associated with HAIs were commonly detected in the patient care compartment of ambulances across a variety of different surfaces, including blood pressure cuffs, oxygen apparatuses, and areas of patient stretchers. CONCLUSION A high prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in ambulances suggest that standard protocols related to cleaning compliance may not be effective. The primary recommendation is that designated subject matter experts in infection prevention should be incorporated as liaisons in the pre-hospital setting, acting as a link between the pre-hospital (e.g., ambulance transport) and hospital environments.
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Sarbazi-Golezari A, Namdar P, Yousefian S, Mirzadeh M, Farnood A, Modirian E. Prognosis of patients with tracheal intubation in the emergency department. TRENDS IN ANAESTHESIA AND CRITICAL CARE 2021; 41:81-84. [PMID: 38620921 PMCID: PMC8321958 DOI: 10.1016/j.tacc.2021.07.008] [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: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Intubation of critically ill patients is one of the increasing emergency procedures. We designed this study to determine age and sex-related mortality rates after emergency intubation. Methods This retrospective study collected and analyzed non-trauma intubated patients in a referral hospital from the years 2017-2019 and before the appearance of COVID-19. Patients who were intubated outside of emergency by EMS technicians were excluded. We recorded data of intubated patients, like sex, age, length of being intubated and final diagnosis. P values of less than 0.05 were significant. Results Data of 520 non-trauma intubated patients were collected and analyzed. More than 64% of the patients were over 65 years old and had a higher mortality rate (86.7%; P < 0.001) than younger patients. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 80%. More than three quarters of the decedents died within a week of intubation (P < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between sex and mortality rate (P = 0.535). Conclusion Our data showed that with increased age there was a decrease in the chance of being extubated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peyman Namdar
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Shiva Yousefian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Monirsadat Mirzadeh
- Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Farnood
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ehsan Modirian
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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Hanchate AD, Qi D, Stopyra JP, Paasche-Orlow MK, Baker WE, Feldman J. Potential bypassing of nearest emergency department by EMS transports. Health Serv Res 2021; 57:300-310. [PMID: 34723392 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13903] [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: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Guidelines recommend emergency medical services (EMS) patients to be transported to the nearest appropriate emergency department (ED). Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of EMS transport to an ED other than the nearest ED ("potential bypassing"). DATA SOURCES Illinois Prehospital Patient Care Report Data of EMS transports (July 2019 to December 2019). DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We identified all EMS ground transports with an advanced life-support (ALS) paramedic to an ED for patients aged 21 years and older. Using street address of incident location, we performed geocoding and driving route analyses and obtained estimated driving distance and time to the destination ED and alternative EDs. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES Our main outcomes were dichotomous indicators of potential bypassing of the nearest ED based on distance and time. As secondary outcomes we examined potential bypassing indicators based on excess driving distance and time. STUDY DESIGN We used Poisson regression models to obtain adjusted relative rates of potential bypassing indicators by acuity level, primary impression, patient demographics and geographic characteristics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our study cohort of 361,051 EMS transports consisted of 5.8% critical, 37.2% emergent and 57.0% low acuity cases transported to 222 EDs. The observed rate of potential bypassing was approximately 34% of cases for each acuity level. Treating the cardiovascular primary impression code group as the reference case, we found small to no differences in potential bypassing rates across other primary impression code groups of all acuity levels, with the exception of critical acuity trauma cases for which potential bypassing rate was 64% higher (incidence rate ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval, 1.54-1.74). Compared to zip codes with one ED within a 5-mile vicinity, potential bypassing was higher in areas with no ED or multiple EDs within a 5-mile vicinity. CONCLUSION Approximately one-third of EMS transports potentially bypassed the nearest ED. EMS transport destination may be motivated by factors other than proximity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amresh D Hanchate
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danyang Qi
- SuperMap International Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Jason P Stopyra
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael K Paasche-Orlow
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William E Baker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Feldman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Cash RE, Swor RA, Samuels-Kalow M, Eisenbrey D, Kaimal AJ, Camargo CA. Frequency and severity of prehospital obstetric events encountered by emergency medical services in the United States. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:655. [PMID: 34560847 PMCID: PMC8464145 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prehospital obstetric events encountered by emergency medical services (EMS) can be high-risk patient presentations for which suboptimal care can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. The frequency of prehospital obstetric events is unclear because existing descriptions have reported obstetric and gynecological conditions together, without delineating specific patient presentations. Our objective was to identify the types, frequency, and acuity of prehospital obstetric events treated by EMS personnel in the US. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of EMS patient care records in the 2018 National EMS Information System dataset (n=22,532,890). We focused on EMS activations (i.e., calls for service) for an emergency scene response for patients aged 12-50 years with evidence of an obstetric event. Type of obstetric event was determined by examining patient symptoms, the treating EMS provider’s impression (i.e., field diagnosis), and procedures performed. High patient acuity was ascertained by EMS documentation of patient status and application of the modified early obstetric warning system (MEOWS) criteria, with concordance assessed using Cohen’s kappa. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe the primary symptoms, impressions, and frequency of each type of obstetric event among these activations. Results A total of 107,771 (0.6%) of EMS emergency activations were identified as involving an obstetric event. The most common presentation was early or threatened labor (15%). Abdominal complaints, including pain and other digestive/abdomen signs and symptoms, was the most common primary symptom (29%) and primary impression (18%). We identified 3,489 (3%) out-of-hospital deliveries, of which 1,504 were preterm. Overall, EMS providers documented 34% of patients as being high acuity, similar to the MEOWS criteria (35%); however, there were high rates of missing data for EMS documented acuity (19%), poor concordance between the two measures (Cohen’s kappa=0.12), and acuity differences for specific conditions (e.g., high acuity of non-cephalic presentations, 77% in EMS documentation versus 53% identified by MEOWS). Conclusion Prehospital obstetric events were infrequently encountered by EMS personnel, and about one-third were high acuity. Additional work to understand the epidemiology and clinical care of these patients by EMS would help to optimize prehospital care and outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04129-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Cash
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Robert A Swor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Margaret Samuels-Kalow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Eisenbrey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McLaren Flint Hospital, Flint, MI, USA
| | - Anjali J Kaimal
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Forsgärde ES, Svensson A, Rööst M, Fridlund B, Elmqvist C. The dialogue as decision support; lived experiences of extended collaboration when an ambulance is called. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 16:1970095. [PMID: 34427535 PMCID: PMC8386744 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1970095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to describe extended collaboration in situations when an ambulance was called, as experienced by older patients, a significant other, and ambulance- and primary healthcare (PHC) centre personnel. Methods The study used a phenomenological reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach. Participants included in three specific situations with extended collaboration were interviewed: three older patients, one significant other, three ambulance personnel and four personnel at the PHC centre. The transcribed interviews were analysed for meanings of the phenomenon. Results The extended collaboration means that decisions were supported through dialogue by bridging knowledge spaces between person, within-team and across-team levels. Through dialogue experience and knowledge were shared and certainty in decisions was increased. The extended collaboration was built on trust, responsibility taken, shared and entrusted, and the common goal of adapted care for the unique patient. A need for further improvement and transparency was elucidated. Conclusions The difficulty of making care decisions stresses the importance of available extended collaboration based on the dialogue between patients, significant others, and ambulance- and PHC centre personnel to increase certainty in decisions. Collaboration further requires respectful encounters, trust, responsibility and a common goal of adapting the care for the unique patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin-Sofie Forsgärde
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Ambulance Service, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Mattias Rööst
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fridlund
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Centre of Interprofessional Collaboration within Emergency Care CICE, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
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16
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Powell JR, Cash RE, Rivard MK, Panchal AR. EMS Program Graduates Who Did Not Retest after Initial Attempt on the National Certification Exam. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:664-672. [PMID: 34128448 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2021.1943579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Becoming an EMS professional in most of the United States requires successful completion of the National Certification process. While multiple attempts are allowed, some candidates who are unsuccessful on their first cognitive examination attempt do not return despite personal investment. Objective: We describe the demographic and testing characteristics of EMT and paramedic candidates that do not return for a second examination attempt after an initial unsuccessful attempt on the National EMS Certification Cognitive Examination. Methods: This was a cross-sectional evaluation of nonmilitary EMT and paramedic graduates, between ages 18 and 85 years, who completed their education program in 2016, attempted the National Certification Examination, and were unsuccessful. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of retesting for EMT and paramedic graduates for age, sex, initial test length, and elapsed time from course completion to initial examination. Results: Of all EMT graduates eligible to retest (n = 22,088), 33% (n = 7,208) did not retest. Adjusted odds of retesting for EMT graduates decreased with female sex, time from course completion to initial examination, and those with minimal exam length. Adjusted odds of retesting for EMT graduates increased in 20-21 and 22-24 year olds compared to 18-19 year olds. Similarly, of all paramedic graduates eligible to retest (n = 2,755), 14% (n = 390) did not. Adjusted odds of retesting at the paramedic level decreased with time from course completion to initial examination and minimum exam length. Age and sex were not significant contributors to odds of retesting for paramedics. Conclusion: Many EMTs and paramedics who were unsuccessful on the National Certification Exam did not retest. Factors identified that impact the choice varied between EMTs and paramedics but included age, sex, length of initial examination, and time from course completion to that initial examination. These characteristics may present actionable items for EMS educational programs and stakeholders to support EMT and paramedic graduates at risk of not entering the workforce.
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Nadash P, Cohen MA, Tavares J, Miller EA. The impact of health-related supports in senior housing on ambulance transfers and visits to emergency departments: The Right Care, Right Place, Right Time Project. Health Serv Res 2021; 56:731-739. [PMID: 33768544 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13640] [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: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the impact of placing a wellness team (nurse and social worker) in senior housing on ambulance transfers and visits to emergency departments over 18 months. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Intervention sites included seven Boston-area buildings, with five buildings at comparable settings acting as controls. Data derive from building-level ambulance data from emergency responders; building-level Medicare claims data on emergency department utilization; and individual-level baseline assessment data from participants in the intervention (n = 353) and control (n = 208) sites. STUDY DESIGN We used a pre/postdifference in difference quasi-experimental design applying several analytic methods. The preintervention period was January 2016-March 2017, while the intervention period was July 2017-December 2018. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Emergency responders provided aggregate transfer data on a daily basis for intervention and control buildings; the Quality Improvement Organization provided quarterly aggregate data on emergency department visit rates; and assessment data came from a modified Vitalize 360 assessment and coaching tool. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The study found an 18.2% statistically significant decline in ambulance transfers in intervention buildings, with greater declines in buildings that had fewer services available at baseline, compared to other intervention sites. Analysis of Medicare claims data, adjusted for the proportion of residents over 75 per building, found fewer visits to emergency departments in intervention buildings. CONCLUSIONS Health-related supports in senior housing sites can be effective in reducing emergency transfers and visits to emergency departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Nadash
- Department of Gerontology and Gerontology Institute, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Leading Age Center for Long-Term Services & Supports @UMass Boston, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc A Cohen
- Department of Gerontology and Gerontology Institute, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Leading Age Center for Long-Term Services & Supports @UMass Boston, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Consumer Engagement and Health System Transformation, Community Catalyst, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane Tavares
- Department of Gerontology and Gerontology Institute, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Leading Age Center for Long-Term Services & Supports @UMass Boston, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edward Alan Miller
- Department of Gerontology and Gerontology Institute, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Leading Age Center for Long-Term Services & Supports @UMass Boston, John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice and Center for Gerontology and Health Care Research, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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18
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Panchal AR, Rivard MK, Cash RE, Corley JP, Jean-Baptiste M, Chrzan K, Gugiu MR. Methods and Implementation of the 2019 EMS Practice Analysis. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021; 26:212-222. [PMID: 33301370 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1856985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The EMS Practice Analysis provides a vision of current prehospital care by defining the work performed by EMS professionals. In this manuscript, we present the National Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS Practice Analysis for the advanced EMT (AEMT) and paramedic levels of certification. The goal of the 2019 EMS Practice Analysis is to define the work performed by EMS professionals and present a new template for future practice analyses. Methods: The project was executed in three phases. Phase 1 defined the types/frequency of EMS clinical presentations using the 2016 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) dataset. Phase 2 defined the criticality or potential for harm of these clinical presentations through a survey of a random sample of nationally certified EMS professionals and medical directors. Phase 3 defined the tasks and the associated knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) that encompass EMS care through focus groups of subject matter experts. Results: In Phase 1, the most common EMS adult impressions were traumatic injury, abdominal pain/problems, respiratory distress/arrest, behavioral/psychiatric disorder, and syncope/fainting. The most common pediatric impressions were traumatic injury, behavioral/psychiatric disorder, respiratory distress/arrest, seizure, and abdominal pain/problems. Criticality was defined in Phase 2 with the highest risk of harm for adults being airway obstruction, respiratory distress/arrest, cardiac arrest, hypovolemia/shock, allergic reaction, or stroke/CVA. In comparison, pediatric patients presenting with airway obstruction, respiratory distress/arrest, cardiac arrest, hypovolemia/shock, allergic reaction, stroke/CVA, and inhalation injury had the highest potential for harm. Finally, in Phase 3, task statements were generated for both paramedic and AEMT certification levels. A total of 425 tasks and 1,734 KSAs were defined for the paramedic level and 405 tasks and 1,636 KSAs were defined for the AEMT level. Conclusion: The 2019 ALS Practice Analysis describes prehospital practice at the AEMT and paramedic levels. This approach allows for a detailed and robust evaluation of EMS care while focusing on each task conducted at each level of certification in EMS. The data can be leveraged to inform the scope of practice, educational standards, and assist in validating the ALS levels of the certification examination.
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Hjalmarsson A, Holmberg M, Asp M, Östlund G, Nilsson KW, Kerstis B. Characteristic patterns of emergency ambulance assignments for older adults compared with adults requiring emergency care at home in Sweden: a total population study. BMC Emerg Med 2020; 20:94. [PMID: 33267796 PMCID: PMC7709262 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-020-00387-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the vast majority of older adults in Sweden live in their private homes throughout life, the emergency medical services need to adapt accordingly. Hence, we aimed to describe characteristic patterns of dyadic staffed emergency ambulance assignments for older adults aged > 70 years compared with adults aged 18-69 years requiring emergency care at home in Sweden. METHODS A descriptive retrospective study was performed using anonymized registry data from the emergency medical services in a region of Sweden during 2017-2018. One-sample χ2 test, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression models were used for investigating group differences. Variables for analysis were age, gender, clinical assessments, on-scene time, priority levels, result of response, and temporal patterns. RESULTS Of all included emergency ambulance assignments (n = 28,533), 59.9% involved older adults, of which 53.8% were women. The probability for older adults to receive the highest priority was decreased for both dispatch (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.66), and transport priorities (p < 0.001, OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.68-0.80). Older adults were more likely to receive dispatch priority levels 2 (p < 0.001, OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.40-1.56), and 3 (p < 0.001, OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.46-2.06). The older adults were similarly more likely to receive transport priority level 3 (p < 0.001, OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.28-1.52) compared with adults. Age had a small but additive effect in relation to on-scene time (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.01, F = 53.82). Distinguishing initial clinical assessments for older adults were circulatory, respiratory, trauma, infection, and nonspecific assessments. Emergency ambulance assignments for older adults were more frequently occurring on Mondays (p < 0.001, χ2 = 232.56), and in the 08:00-11:59 interval (p < 0.001, χ2 = 1224.08). CONCLUSION The issues of the lower priority level preponderance, and the decreased probability for receiving the highest priority warrant further attention in future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hjalmarsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden.
| | - Mats Holmberg
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linneaus University, Växjö, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden.,Department of Ambulance Service, Region Sörmland, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Margareta Asp
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
| | - Gunnel Östlund
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
| | - Kent W Nilsson
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research Västerås, Uppsala University, Västmanland County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Kerstis
- School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Eskilstuna Västerås, Sweden
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Martín-Rodríguez F, López-Izquierdo R, Medina-Lozano E, Ortega Rabbione G, Del Pozo Vegas C, Carbajosa Rodríguez V, Castro Villamor MÁ, Sánchez-Soberon I, Sanz-García A. Accuracy of prehospital point-of-care lactate in early in-hospital mortality. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13341. [PMID: 32648960 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency medical services (EMS) routinely face complex scenarios where decisions should be taken with limited clinical information. The development of fast, reliable and easy to perform warning biomarkers could help in such decision-making processes. The present study aims at characterizing the validity of point-of-care lactate (pLA) during prehospital tasks for predicting in-hospital mortality within two days after the EMS assistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective, multicentric, ambulance-based and controlled observational study without intervention, including six advanced life support and five hospitals. The pLA levels were recorded during EMS assistance of adult patients. The validity of pLA to determine the in-hospital mortality was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC). RESULTS A total of 2997 patients were considered in the study, with a median of 69 years (IQR 54-81) and 41.4% of women. The median pLA value was 2.7 mmol/L (1.9-3.8) in survivors and 5.7 mmol/L (4.4-7.6) in nonsurvivors. The global discrimination level of pLA reached an AUC of 0.867, being 1.9 mmol/L and 4 mmol/L the cut-off point for low and high mortality. The discrimination value of pLA was not affected by sex, age or pathology. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the clinical importance of prehospital pLA to determine the in-hospital risk of mortality. The incorporation of pLA into the EMS protocols could improve the early identification of risky patients, leading to a better care of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Martín-Rodríguez
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Center, School of Medicine, Valladolid University, Valladolid, Spain.,Emergency Medical Services-SACYL, Paseo Hospital Militar, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Izquierdo
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Center, School of Medicine, Valladolid University, Valladolid, Spain.,Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Elena Medina-Lozano
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Center, School of Medicine, Valladolid University, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Ortega Rabbione
- Data Analysis Unit, Health Research Institute, Hospital de la Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), CABA, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | - Ancor Sanz-García
- Data Analysis Unit, Health Research Institute, Hospital de la Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Forsgärde ES, Elmqvist C, Fridlund B, Svensson A, Andersson R, Rööst M. Patients' aged ≥65 years dispositions during ambulance assignments, including factors associated with non-conveyance to hospital: a longitudinal and comparative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038885. [PMID: 33243795 PMCID: PMC7692831 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients ≥65 years old represent 30%-50% of all ambulance assignments (AAs), and the knowledge of which care level they are disposed to is limited and diverging. The aim of this study was therefore to describe and compare characteristics of patients' aged ≥65 years dispositions during AA, including determining changes over time and factors associated with non-conveyance to hospitals. DESIGN A longitudinal and comparative database study. SETTING Ambulance service in a Swedish region. PARTICIPANTS 32 085 AAs with patients ≥65 years old during the years 2014, 2016 and 2018. EXCLUSION CRITERIA AAs with interhospital patient transfers and lack of patients' dispositions data. OUTCOME MEASURES Dependent factors: conveyance and non-conveyance to hospitals. Independent factors: age, sex, symptom, triage level, scene, time, day and season. RESULTS The majority (n=29 060; 90.6%) of patients' dispositions during AA were conveyance to hospitals. In total, the most common symptoms were circulatory (n=4953; 15.5%) and respiratory (n=4529; 14.1%). A significant increase, p<0.01, of non-conveyance to hospitals was shown during 2014 and 2018, from 801 (7.8%) to 1295 (11.4%). Increasing age was associated with decreasing odds of non-conveyance, 85-89 years (OR=0.85, 95 % CI=0.72 to 0.99) and 90 years or older (OR=0.80, 95 % CI=0.68 to 0.93). Several factors were associated with non-conveyance, for example, symptoms of diabetes (OR=8.57, 95 % CI=5.99 to 12.26) and mental disorders (OR=5.71, 95 % CI=3.85 to 8.48) in comparison with infections. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates several patient characteristics, and factors associated with non-conveyance to hospitals, such as age, symptom, triage level, scene, time, day and season. The increasing non-conveyance trend highlights the importance of further studies on optimal care levels for patients ≥65 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin-Sofie Forsgärde
- Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Bengt Fridlund
- Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency Care (CICE), Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Anders Svensson
- Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Ambulance Service, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
| | | | - Mattias Rööst
- Department for Research and Development, Region Kronoberg, Växjö, Sweden
- Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Batt AM, Tavares W, Williams B. The development of competency frameworks in healthcare professions: a scoping review. ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:913-987. [PMID: 31797195 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-019-09946-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Competency frameworks serve various roles including outlining characteristics of a competent workforce, facilitating mobility, and analysing or assessing expertise. Given these roles and their relevance in the health professions, we sought to understand the methods and strategies used in the development of existing competency frameworks. We applied the Arksey and O'Malley framework to undertake this scoping review. We searched six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, and ERIC) and three grey literature sources (greylit.org, Trove and Google Scholar) using keywords related to competency frameworks. We screened studies for inclusion by title and abstract, and we included studies of any type that described the development of a competency framework in a healthcare profession. Two reviewers independently extracted data including study characteristics. Data synthesis was both quantitative and qualitative. Among 5710 citations, we selected 190 for analysis. The majority of studies were conducted in medicine and nursing professions. Literature reviews and group techniques were conducted in 116 studies each (61%), and 85 (45%) outlined some form of stakeholder deliberation. We observed a significant degree of diversity in methodological strategies, inconsistent adherence to existing guidance on the selection of methods, who was involved, and based on the variation we observed in timeframes, combination, function, application and reporting of methods and strategies, there is no apparent gold standard or standardised approach to competency framework development. We observed significant variation within the conduct and reporting of the competency framework development process. While some variation can be expected given the differences across and within professions, our results suggest there is some difficulty in determining whether methods were fit-for-purpose, and therefore in making determinations regarding the appropriateness of the development process. This uncertainty may unwillingly create and legitimise uncertain or artificial outcomes. There is a need for improved guidance in the process for developing and reporting competency frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan M Batt
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Building H, McMahons Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia.
- Fanshawe College, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., London, ON, N5Y 5R6, Canada.
| | - Walter Tavares
- The Wilson Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto/University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, 1ES‑565, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
- Post‑MD Education (Post‑Graduate Medical Education/Continued Professional Development), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brett Williams
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Building H, McMahons Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia
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Poor Self-Rated Health Is Associated with Hospitalization and Emergency Department Visits in African American Older Adults with Diabetes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 7:880-887. [DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Martín-Rodríguez F, López-Izquierdo R, Del Pozo Vegas C, Sánchez-Soberón I, Delgado-Benito JF, Martín-Conty JL, Castro-Villamor MA. Can the prehospital National Early Warning Score 2 identify patients at risk of in-hospital early mortality? A prospective, multicenter cohort study. Heart Lung 2020; 49:585-591. [PMID: 32169257 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) scores can help identify clinical deterioration. OBJECTIVE To assess the predictive capacity of the NEWS2 at prehospital level for the detection of early mortality in the hospital. METHODS Prospective multicenter cohort study, in which we compiled a database of observed vital signs between March 1, 2018 and May 30, 2019. We collected demographic data, vital signs (respiration rate, oxygen saturation, supplemental oxygen, temperature, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and level of consciousness), prehospital diagnosis and hospital mortality data. We calculated the AUROC of the NEWS2 for early mortality. RESULTS We included a total of 2335 participants. Median age was 69 years (IQR 54-81 years). The AUC for mortality within one day was 0.862 (95%CI:0.78-0.93), within two days 0.885 (95%CI:0.84-0.92) and within seven days 0.835 (95%CI:0.79-0.87) (in all cases, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The NEWS2 performed at prehospital level is a bedside tool for predicting early hospital mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Martín-Rodríguez
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 7, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Advanced Medical Life Support, Emergency Medical Services (SACYL), P° Hospital Militar, 24, 47007 Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Raúl López-Izquierdo
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 7, 47005 Valladolid, Spain; Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega, C/ Dulzaina 2, 47012 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Carlos Del Pozo Vegas
- Emergency Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 3, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Irene Sánchez-Soberón
- Advanced Medical Life Support, Emergency Medical Services (SACYL), P° Hospital Militar, 24, 47007 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Juan F Delgado-Benito
- Advanced Medical Life Support, Emergency Medical Services (SACYL), P° Hospital Militar, 24, 47007 Valladolid, Spain
| | - José Luis Martín-Conty
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Castilla la Mancha University, Avda. Real Fábrica de Seda, s/n, 45600 Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain
| | - Miguel A Castro-Villamor
- Advanced Clinical Simulation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valladolid, Avda. Ramón y Cajal, 7, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
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Cui ER, Beja-Glasser A, Fernandez AR, Grover JM, Mann NC, Patel MD. Emergency Medical Services Time Intervals for Acute Chest Pain in the United States, 2015–2016. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2019; 24:557-565. [DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2019.1676346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Home care aides' observations and machine learning algorithms for the prediction of visits to emergency departments by older community-dwelling individuals receiving home care assistance: A proof of concept study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220002. [PMID: 31408458 PMCID: PMC6692042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older individuals receiving home assistance are at high risk for emergency visits and unplanned hospitalization. Anticipating their health difficulties could prevent these events. This study investigated the effectiveness of an at-home monitoring method using social workers’ observations to predict risk for 7- and 14-day emergency department (ED) visits. Methods This was a prospective cohort study of persons ≥75 years, living at home and receiving assistance from home care aides (HCA) at 6 French facilities. After each home visit, HCAs reported on participants’ functional status using a smartphone application that recorded 27 functional items about each participant (e.g., ability to stand, move, eat, mood, loneliness). We recorded ED visits. Finally, we used machine learning techniques (i.e., leveraging random forest predictors) to develop a 7- and 14-day predictive algorithm for the risk of ED visit. Results The study included 301 participants, and the HCA made 9,987 observations. Over the mean 10-month follow-up, 97 participants (32%) had at least one ED visit. Modeling techniques identified 9 contributory factors from the longitudinal records of the HCA and developed a predictive algorithm for the risk of ED visit. The predictive performance (i.e., the area under the ROC curve) was 0.70 at 7 days and 0.67 at 14 days. Interpretation For frail elders receiving in-home care, information on functional status collected by HCA helps predict the risk of ED visits 7 to 14 days in advance. A survey system for real-time identification of risks could be developed using this exploratory work.
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Garwe T, Stewart KE, Newgard CD, Stoner JA, Sacra JC, Cody P, Oluborode B, Albrecht RM. Survival Benefit of Treatment at or Transfer to a Tertiary Trauma Center among Injured Older Adults. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2019; 24:245-256. [PMID: 31211622 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2019.1632997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: It is well established that seriously injured older adults are under-triaged to tertiary trauma centers. However, the survival benefit of tertiary trauma centers (TC) compared to a non-tertiary trauma centers (Non-TCs) remains unclear for this patient population. Using improved methodology and a larger sample, we hypothesized that there was a difference in hospital mortality between injured older adults treated at TCs and those treated at Non-TCs. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of injured older adults (> =55 years) reported to the Oklahoma statewide trauma registry between 2005 and 2014. The outcome of interest was 30-day in-hospital mortality and the exposure variable of interest was level of definitive trauma care (TC vs Non-TC). Overall survival benefit of treatment at a TC as well as the survival benefit of transferring injured older adults to a TC were evaluated using multivariable survival analyses as well as propensity score-adjusted analyses. Results: Of the 25,288 patients eligible for analysis, 43% (10,927) were treated at TCs. Multivariable Cox regression analyses revealed effect modification by age group and time. After adjusting for potential confounders within the age strata, overall, patients treated at TCs were significantly less likely to die within 7 days of admission and this effect was stronger for patients aged 55-64 years (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31-0.52) compared to those > =65 years (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55-0.70). Overall survival benefit of TCs beyond 7 days was also observed (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.83). Similarly, for the survival benefit of transferring injured older adults, after adjusting for the propensity to be transferred and other confounders, transfer to a TC was associated with lower 30-day mortality both for patients less than 65 years old (HR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.27-0.49) and those 65 years and older (HR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.48-0.64). Conclusions: Our results suggest a survival benefit for injured older adults treated at TCs. This benefit was also observed for patients transferred from non-tertiary trauma centers. Further research should focus on identifying specific subgroups of patients who would especially benefit from this level of care to minimize trauma triage inefficiencies.
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Tagami T, Tanaka H, Shin SD, Ma MH, Ko PC, Karim S, Khruekarnchana P, Naroo GY, Ong MEH. Impact of population aging on the presentation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the Pan Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study. Acute Med Surg 2019; 7:e430. [PMID: 31988755 PMCID: PMC6971460 DOI: 10.1002/ams2.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim As a population ages, it can impact on the characteristics and outcomes of cardiogenic out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the age incidence of cardiogenic OHCA and population aging. Methods This was a post‐hoc analysis of the Pan Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study (PAROS) database. Data on the population old‐age dependency ratio (i.e. elderly/non‐elderly) were extracted from publicly accessible sources (United Nations and World Health Organization). Results We analyzed 40,872 OHCA cases from seven PAROS countries over the period 2009 to 2013. We found significant correlation between the population old‐age dependency ratio and elderly/non‐elderly ratio in OHCA patients (r = 0.92, P = 0.003). There was a significant correlation between the population old‐age dependency ratio and risk differences of 30‐day survival rates for non‐elderly and elderly OHCA patients (r = 0.89, P = 0.007). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the proportion of elderly among OHCA patients will increase, and outcomes could increasingly differ between elderly and non‐elderly as a society ages progressively. This has implications for planning and delivery of emergency services as a society ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tagami
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care MedicineNippon Medical School Tama Nayagama HospitalTokyoJapan
- Health Services and Systems ResearchDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- Present address:
Department of Emergency and Critical Care MedicineNippon Medical School Musashikosugi HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Hideharu Tanaka
- Department of EMS SystemGraduate SchoolKokushikan UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Sang Do Shin
- Department of Emergency MedicineCollege of MedicineSeoul National UniversitySeoulKorea
| | | | | | - Sarah Karim
- Department of Emergency MedicineHospital Sungai BulohSungai BulohSelangorMalaysia
| | | | - Ghulam Yasin Naroo
- Department of Health & Medical ServicesED‐Trauma CentreRashid HospitalDubaiUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Marcus Eng Hock Ong
- Health Services and Systems ResearchDuke‐NUS Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- Department of Emergency MedicineSingapore General HospitalSingaporeSingapore
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Schewe JC, Kappler J, Dovermann K, Graeff I, Ehrentraut SF, Heister U, Hoeft A, Weber SU, Muenster S. Diagnostic accuracy of physician-staffed emergency medical teams: a retrospective observational cohort study of prehospital versus hospital diagnosis in a 10-year interval. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2019; 27:36. [PMID: 30940205 PMCID: PMC6446382 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-019-0617-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany, emergency medical teams are staffed with physicians but evidence regarding their prehospital diagnostic accuracy remains poor. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the out-of-hospital diagnostic accuracy of physician-staffed emergency medical teams (PEMTs). METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study involving the Emergency Medical Service Bonn, Germany, from January to December 2004 and 2014 respectively. A total of 8346 patients underwent medical treatment by PEMTs, of which 1960 adult patients (inclusion criteria: ≥18 years of age, hospital diagnosis available) were included for further analysis. Reasons for non-inclusion: death on scene, outpatient, interhospital transfer, mental illness, false alarm, no hospital medical history available. The overall diagnostic accuracy (correct or false) of PEMTs was measured after matching the prehospital diagnosis with the corresponding diagnosis of the hospital. Secondary outcome measures were incidence of common PEMT diagnoses (acute coronary syndrome (ACS), dyspnea, stroke/intracerebral bleeding), recognition rate of a given disease by PEMTs, and prehospital diagnostic accuracy in elderly patients. RESULTS PEMT calls increased 2-fold over a decade (2004: n = 3151 vs. 2014: n = 5195). Overall diagnostic accuracy of PEMTs increased from 87.5% in 2004 to 92.6% in the year 2014. The incidence of common PEMT diagnoses such as ACS, dyspnea or stroke/intracerebral bleeding increased 2-fold from 2004 to 2014. The recognition rate of a given disease by the PEMT varied between 2004 and 2014: an increase was observed when a stroke/intracerebral bleeding was diagnosed (2004: 67% vs. 2014: 83%; p = 0.054), a decreased rate of recognition occurred when a syncope/collapse was diagnosed (2004: 81% vs. 2014: 56%; p = 0.007) and a sepsis appears to be a rare event for EMS personnel (2004: 0% vs. 2014: 23%). Linear regression analysis revealed that the prehospital diagnostic accuracy decreases in the elderly patient. CONCLUSIONS The overall prehospital diagnostic accuracy of PEMTs improved between the year 2004 and 2014 respectively. Our findings suggest that the incidence of common diseases (ACS, dyspnea stroke/intracerebral bleeding, sepsis) increased over a 10-year period. Diagnostic accuracy of different diseases varied but generally decreased in the elderly patient. Regular training of EMS personnel and public campaigns should be implemented to improve the diagnostic accuracy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens-Christian Schewe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jochen Kappler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Dovermann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ingo Graeff
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Felix Ehrentraut
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Heister
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Emergency Medical Service Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoeft
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Ulrich Weber
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Heilig Geist Krankenhaus, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Muenster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Bazargan M, Smith JL, Cobb S, Barkley L, Wisseh C, Ngula E, Thomas RJ, Assari S. Emergency Department Utilization among Underserved African American Older Adults in South Los Angeles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16071175. [PMID: 30986915 PMCID: PMC6479964 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Using the Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, we explored social, behavioral, and health factors that are associated with emergency department (ED) utilization among underserved African American (AA) older adults in one of the most economically disadvantaged urban areas in South Los Angeles, California. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of 609 non-institutionalized AA older adults (age ≥ 65 years) from South Los Angeles, California. Participants were interviewed for demographic factors, self-rated health, chronic medication conditions (CMCs), pain, depressive symptoms, access to care, and continuity of care. Outcomes included 1 or 2+ ED visits in the last 12 months. Polynomial regression was used for data analysis. Results: Almost 41% of participants were treated at an ED during the last 12 months. In all, 27% of participants attended an ED once and 14% two or more times. Half of those with 6+ chronic conditions reported being treated at an ED once; one quarter at least twice. Factors that predicted no ED visit were male gender (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29–0.85), higher continuity of medical care (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.04–2.31), individuals with two CMCs or less (OR = 2.61 (1.03–6.59), second tertile of pain severity (OR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.36–5.73). Factors that predicted only one ED visit were male gender (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25–0.82), higher continuity of medical care (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.01–2.15) and second tertile of pain severity (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.13–5.19). Conclusions: This study documented that a lack of continuity of care for individuals with multiple chronic conditions leads to a higher rate of ED presentations. The results are significant given that ED visits may contribute to health disparities among AA older adults. Future research should examine whether case management decreases ED utilization among underserved AA older adults with multiple chronic conditions and/or severe pain. To explore the generalizability of these findings, the study should be repeated in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - James L Smith
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Sharon Cobb
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
- School of Nursing, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Lisa Barkley
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Cheryl Wisseh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, West Coast University, Los Angeles, CA 90004, USA.
| | - Emma Ngula
- Department of public health, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Ricky J Thomas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
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Lau HS, Hollander MM, Cushman JT, DuGoff EH, Jones CMC, Kind AJH, Lohmeier MT, Coleman EA, Shah MN. Qualitative Evaluation of the Coach Training within a Community Paramedicine Care Transitions Intervention. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2018; 22:527-534. [PMID: 29432041 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1419325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) has potential to improve the emergency department (ED)-to-home transition for older adults. Community paramedics may function as the CTI coaches; however, this requires the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which they do not receive in traditional emergency medical services (EMS) education. This study aimed to define community paramedics' perceptions regarding their training needs to serve as CTI coaches supporting the ED-to-home transition. METHODS This study forms part of an ongoing randomized controlled trial evaluating a community paramedic-implemented CTI to enhance the ED-to-home transition. The community paramedics' training covered the following domains: the CTI program, geriatrics, effective coaching, ED discharge processes, and community paramedicine. Sixteen months after starting the study, we conducted audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with community paramedics at both study sites. After transcribing the interviews, team members independently coded the transcripts. Ensuing group analysis sessions led to the development of final codes and identifying common themes. Finally, we conducted member checking to confirm our interpretations of the interview data. RESULTS We interviewed all 8 participating community paramedics. Participants consisted solely of non-Hispanic whites, included 5 women, and had a mean age of 43. Participants had extensive backgrounds in healthcare, primarily as EMS providers, but minimal experience with community paramedicine. All reported some prior geriatrics training. Four themes emerged from the interviews: (1) paramedics with positive attitudes and willingness to acquire the needed knowledge and skills will succeed as CTI coaches; (2) active rather than passive learning is preferred by paramedics; (3) the existing training could benefit from adjustments such as added content on mental health, dementia, and substance abuse issues, as well as content on coaching subjects with a range of illness severity; and (4) continuing education should address the paramedic coaches' evolving needs as they develop proficiency with the CTI. CONCLUSIONS Paramedics as CTI coaches represent an untapped resource for supporting ED-to-home care transitions. Our results provide the necessary first step to make the community paramedic CTI coach more successful. These findings may apply to training for similar community paramedicine roles, but additional research must investigate this possibility.
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