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Jafari K, Burns B, Barry D, Koid C, Tan T, Hartford E. Triage Discordance in an Academic Pediatric Emergency Department and Disparities by Race, Ethnicity, and Language for Care. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024:00006565-990000000-00477. [PMID: 38849118 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minoritized patients are disproportionately represented in low-acuity emergency department (ED) visits in the United States in part caused by lack of timely access to primary and urgent care. However, there is also the possibility that implicit bias during triage could contribute to disproportionate representation of minority groups in low-acuity ED visits. Triage discordance, defined as when ED resources used are different from initial triage score predictions, can be used as a proxy for triage accuracy. Recent data suggest that discordant triage may be common, although little is known about the interaction with race, ethnicity, and language for care. OBJECTIVES This study aims to determine the prevalence of discordant triage among moderate- and low-acuity pediatric ED encounters and the interaction with patient race, ethnicity, and language for care. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric ED encounters from 2019 with Emergency Severity Index (ESI) scores of 3, 4, or 5 at an academic referral hospital. The primary outcome was triage discordance, encompassing overtriage (ESI 3 and 4) and undertriage (ESI 4 and 5). Logistic and multinomial regressions were used to assess discordant triage by race, ethnicity, and language group. RESULTS Triage discordance occurred in 47% (n = 18,040) of encounters. Black and Hispanic patients had higher likelihood of undertriage for ESI 5 (adjusted odds ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.46 and 1.27, 95% CI 1.07-1.52, respectively), and Black patients were more likely to be overtriaged in ESI 3 (1.18, 95% CI 1.09-1.27). Those with a language other than English for care had higher proportions of overtriage for ESI 3 (1.08, 95% CI 1.04-1.12) and undertriage for ESI 5 (1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.37). CONCLUSIONS We found high rates of triage discordance in our pediatric ED, with significant associations with race, ethnicity, and language for care. Future research should evaluate the source of triage discordance and develop quality improvement efforts to improve equitable care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dwight Barry
- Clinical Analytics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Tina Tan
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Puissant MM, Agarwal I, Scharnetzki E, Cutler A, Gunnell H, Strout TD. Racial differences in triage assessment at rural vs urban Maine emergency departments. Intern Emerg Med 2024:10.1007/s11739-024-03560-4. [PMID: 38598085 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03560-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Data continue to accumulate demonstrating that those belonging to racialized groups face implicit bias in the emergency care delivery system across many indices, including triage assessment. The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) was developed and widely implemented across the US to improve the objectivity of triage assessment and prioritization of care delivery; however, research continues to support the presence of subjective bias in triage assessment. We sought to assess the relationship between perceived race and/or need for translator and assigned ESI score and whether this was impacted by hospital geography. We performed retrospective EMR-based review of patients presenting to urban and rural emergency departments of a health system in Maine with one of the top ten most common chief complaints (CC) across a 5-year period, excluding psychiatric CCs. We used multivariable regression to analyze the relationships between perceived race, need for translator, and gender with ESI score, wait time, and hallway bed assignments. We found that patients perceived as non-white were more likely to receive lower acuity ESI scores and have longer wait times as compared to patients perceived as white. Patients perceived as female were more likely to receive lower acuity scores and wait longer to be seen than patients perceived as male. The need for an interpreter was associated with increased wait times but not significantly associated with ESI score. After stratification by hospital geography, evidence of subjective bias was limited to urban emergency departments and was not evident in rural emergency departments. Further investigation of subjective bias in emergency departments in Maine, particularly in urban settings, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine M Puissant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME, 04102, USA.
- MHIR-CIPHR, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA.
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Isha Agarwal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME, 04102, USA
- MHIR-CIPHR, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Anya Cutler
- MHIR-CIPHR, 1 Riverfront Plaza, Westbrook, ME, 04092, USA
| | - Hadley Gunnell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME, 04102, USA
| | - Tania D Strout
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME, 04102, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Lee SYJ, Alzeen M, Ahmed A. Estimation of racial and language disparities in pediatric emergency department triage using statistical modeling and natural language processing. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2024; 31:958-967. [PMID: 38349846 PMCID: PMC10990499 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aims to assess racial and language disparities in pediatric emergency department (ED) triage using analytical techniques and provide insights into the extent and nature of the disparities in the ED setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study analyzed a cross-sectional dataset encompassing ED visits from January 2019 to April 2021. The study utilized analytical techniques, including K-mean clustering (KNN), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and natural language processing (NLP) embedding. NLP embedding and KNN were employed to handle the chief complaints and categorize them into clusters, while the MARS was used to identify significant interactions among the clinical features. The study also explored important variables, including age-adjusted vital signs. Multiple logistic regression models with varying specifications were developed to assess the robustness of analysis results. RESULTS The study consistently found that non-White children, especially African American (AA) and Hispanic, were often under-triaged, with AA children having >2 times higher odds of receiving lower acuity scores compared to White children. While the results are generally consistent, incorporating relevant variables modified the results for specific patient groups (eg, Asians). DISCUSSION By employing a comprehensive analysis methodology, the study checked the robustness of the analysis results on racial and language disparities in pediatric ED triage. The study also recognized the significance of analytical techniques in assessing pediatric health conditions and analyzing disparities. CONCLUSION The study's findings highlight the significant need for equal and fair assessment and treatment in the pediatric ED, regardless of their patients' race and language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Yup Joshua Lee
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Mohammed Alzeen
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
| | - Abdulaziz Ahmed
- Department of Health Services Administration, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
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Siddique SM, Tipton K, Leas B, Jepson C, Aysola J, Cohen JB, Flores E, Harhay MO, Schmidt H, Weissman GE, Fricke J, Treadwell JR, Mull NK. The Impact of Health Care Algorithms on Racial and Ethnic Disparities : A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med 2024; 177:484-496. [PMID: 38467001 DOI: 10.7326/m23-2960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing concern for the potential impact of health care algorithms on racial and ethnic disparities. PURPOSE To examine the evidence on how health care algorithms and associated mitigation strategies affect racial and ethnic disparities. DATA SOURCES Several databases were searched for relevant studies published from 1 January 2011 to 30 September 2023. STUDY SELECTION Using predefined criteria and dual review, studies were screened and selected to determine: 1) the effect of algorithms on racial and ethnic disparities in health and health care outcomes and 2) the effect of strategies or approaches to mitigate racial and ethnic bias in the development, validation, dissemination, and implementation of algorithms. DATA EXTRACTION Outcomes of interest (that is, access to health care, quality of care, and health outcomes) were extracted with risk-of-bias assessment using the ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions) tool and adapted CARE-CPM (Critical Appraisal for Racial and Ethnic Equity in Clinical Prediction Models) equity extension. DATA SYNTHESIS Sixty-three studies (51 modeling, 4 retrospective, 2 prospective, 5 prepost studies, and 1 randomized controlled trial) were included. Heterogenous evidence on algorithms was found to: a) reduce disparities (for example, the revised kidney allocation system), b) perpetuate or exacerbate disparities (for example, severity-of-illness scores applied to critical care resource allocation), and/or c) have no statistically significant effect on select outcomes (for example, the HEART Pathway [history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin]). To mitigate disparities, 7 strategies were identified: removing an input variable, replacing a variable, adding race, adding a non-race-based variable, changing the racial and ethnic composition of the population used in model development, creating separate thresholds for subpopulations, and modifying algorithmic analytic techniques. LIMITATION Results are mostly based on modeling studies and may be highly context-specific. CONCLUSION Algorithms can mitigate, perpetuate, and exacerbate racial and ethnic disparities, regardless of the explicit use of race and ethnicity, but evidence is heterogeneous. Intentionality and implementation of the algorithm can impact the effect on disparities, and there may be tradeoffs in outcomes. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Mehmood Siddique
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania; and Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.M.S.)
| | - Kelley Tipton
- ECRI-Penn Medicine Evidence-based Practice Center, ECRI, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (K.T., C.J., J.R.T.)
| | - Brian Leas
- Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.L., E.F., J.F.)
| | - Christopher Jepson
- ECRI-Penn Medicine Evidence-based Practice Center, ECRI, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (K.T., C.J., J.R.T.)
| | - Jaya Aysola
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania; Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.A.)
| | - Jordana B Cohen
- Division of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension, University of Pennsylvania; and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.B.C.)
| | - Emilia Flores
- Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.L., E.F., J.F.)
| | - Michael O Harhay
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania; Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Penn Medicine; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania; and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (M.O.H.)
| | - Harald Schmidt
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (H.S.)
| | - Gary E Weissman
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania; Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania; and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (G.E.W.)
| | - Julie Fricke
- Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.L., E.F., J.F.)
| | - Jonathan R Treadwell
- ECRI-Penn Medicine Evidence-based Practice Center, ECRI, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania (K.T., C.J., J.R.T.)
| | - Nikhil K Mull
- Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Penn Medicine; and Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (N.K.M.)
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Frankenberger WD, Zorc JJ, Ten Have ED, Brodecki D, Faig WG. Triage Accuracy in Pediatrics Using the Emergency Severity Index. J Emerg Nurs 2024; 50:207-214. [PMID: 38099907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the Emergency Severity Index is the most widely used tool in the United States to prioritize care for patients who seek emergency care, including children, there are significant deficiencies in the tool's performance. Inaccurate triage has been associated with delayed treatment, unnecessary diagnostic testing, and bias in clinical care. We evaluated the accuracy of the Emergency Severity Index to stratify patient priority based on predicted resource utilization in pediatric emergency department patients and identified covariates influencing performance. METHODS This cross-sectional, retrospective study used a data platform that links clinical and research data sets from a single freestanding pediatric hospital in the United States. Chi-square analysis was used to describes rates of over- and undertriage. Mixed effects ordinal logistic regression identified associations between Emergency Severity Index categories assigned at triage and key emergency department resources using discrete data elements and natural language processing of text notes. RESULTS We analyzed 304,422 emergency department visits by 153,984 unique individuals in the final analysis; 80% of visits were triaged as lower acuity Emergency Severity Index levels 3 to 5, with the most common level being Emergency Severity Index 4 (43%). Emergency department visits scored Emergency Severity Index levels 3 and 4 were triaged accurately 46% and 38%, respectively. We noted racial differences in overall triage accuracy. DISCUSSION Although the plurality of patients was scored as Emergency Severity Index 4, 50% were mistriaged, and there were disparities based on race indicating Emergency Severity Index mistriages pediatric patients. Further study is needed to elucidate the application of the Emergency Severity Indices in pediatrics using a multicenter emergency department population with diverse clinical and demographic characteristics.
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Kappy B, Berkowitz D, Isbey S, Breslin K, McKinley K. Characteristics and patient impact of boarding in the pediatric emergency department, 2018-2022. Am J Emerg Med 2024; 77:139-146. [PMID: 38147701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Boarding admitted patients in the emergency department is an important cause of throughput delays and safety risks in adults, though has been less studied in children. We assessed changes in boarding in a pediatric ED (PED) from 2018 to 2022 and modeled associations between boarding and select quality metrics. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of PED patients admitted to non-psychiatric services, broken into four periods: pre-COVID-19 (Period I, 01/2018-02/2020), early pandemic (II, 03/2020-06/2021), COVID-19 variants (III, 07/2021-06/2022), and non-COVID respiratory viruses (IV, 07/2022-12/2022). Patients were classified as critical (intensive care units (ICU)) or acute care (non-ICU inpatient services) based on their initial bed request. We compared median boarding times with Kruskal-Wallis tests. We assessed the relationship between boarding time and hospital length-of-stay (LOS) through hazard regression models, and the association between boarding time and PED return visit, readmission, and patient safety events through adjusted logistic regressions. RESULTS Median PED boarding time significantly increased from Period I (acute: 2.4 h; critical: 3.0 h) to Period II (acute: 3.0 h, critical: 4.0 h) to Period III (acute: 4.4 h, critical: 6.6 h) to Period IV (acute: 6.2 h; critical: 9.5 h). On survival analysis, as boarding time increased, hospital LOS increased for acute admissions and decreased for critical admissions. Increased acute care boarding time was associated with higher odds of a filed safety report. CONCLUSIONS Since July 2021, PED boarding time increased for admitted children across acute and critical admissions. The relationship between acute care boarding and longer hospital LOS suggests a resource-inefficient, self-perpetuating cycle that demands multi-disciplinary solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Kappy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America.
| | - Deena Berkowitz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Sarah Isbey
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Kristen Breslin
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Kenneth McKinley
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Slopen N, Chang AR, Johnson TJ, Anderson AT, Bate AM, Clark S, Cohen A, Jindal M, Karbeah J, Pachter LM, Priest N, Suglia SF, Bryce N, Fawcett A, Heard-Garris N. Racial and ethnic inequities in the quality of paediatric care in the USA: a review of quantitative evidence. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:147-158. [PMID: 38242597 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00251-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Racial and ethnic inequities in paediatric care have received increased research attention over the past two decades, particularly in the past 5 years, alongside an increased societal focus on racism. In this Series paper, the first in a two-part Series focused on racism and child health in the USA, we summarise evidence on racial and ethnic inequities in the quality of paediatric care. We review studies published between Jan 1, 2017 and July 31, 2022, that are adjusted for or stratified by insurance status to account for group differences in access, and we exclude studies in which differences in access are probably driven by patient preferences or the appropriateness of intervention. Overall, the literature reveals widespread patterns of inequitable treatment across paediatric specialties, including neonatology, primary care, emergency medicine, inpatient and critical care, surgery, developmental disabilities, mental health care, endocrinology, and palliative care. The identified studies indicate that children from minoritised racial and ethnic groups received poorer health-care services relative to non-Hispanic White children, with most studies drawing on data from multiple sites, and accounting for indicators of family socioeconomic position and clinical characteristics (eg, comorbidities or condition severity). The studies discussed a range of potential causes for the observed disparities, including implicit biases and differences in site of care or clinician characteristics. We outline priorities for future research to better understand and address paediatric treatment inequities and implications for practice and policy. Policy changes within and beyond the health-care system, discussed further in the second paper of this Series, are essential to address the root causes of treatment inequities and to promote equitable and excellent health for all children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Slopen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andrew R Chang
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ashaunta T Anderson
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aleha M Bate
- Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Stanely Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shawnese Clark
- Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Stanely Manne Children's Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alyssa Cohen
- Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monique Jindal
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J'Mag Karbeah
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lee M Pachter
- Institute for Research on Equity and Community Health, ChristianaCare, Wilmington, DE, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA; School of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Naomi Priest
- Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Population Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Shakira F Suglia
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nessa Bryce
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Fawcett
- Department of Clinical and Organizational Development, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nia Heard-Garris
- Milburn Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Szymczak JE, Hayes AA, Labellarte P, Zighelboim J, Toor A, Becker AB, Gerber JS, Kuppermann N, Florin TA. Parent and Clinician Views on Not Using Antibiotics for Mild Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063782. [PMID: 38234215 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preschool-aged children with mild community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) routinely receive antibiotics even though most infections are viral. We sought to identify barriers to the implementation of a "no antibiotic" strategy for mild CAP in young children. METHODS Qualitative study using semistructured interviews conducted in a large pediatric hospital in the United States from January 2021 to July 2021. Parents of young children diagnosed with mild CAP in the previous 3 years and clinicians practicing in outpatient settings (pediatric emergency department, community emergency department, general pediatrics offices) were included. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 38 respondents (18 parents, 20 clinicians). No parent heard of the no antibiotic strategy, and parents varied in their support for the approach. Degree of support related to their desire to avoid unnecessary medications, trust in clinicians, the emotional difficulty of caring for a sick child, desire for relief of suffering, willingness to accept the risk of unnecessary antibiotics, and judgment about the child's illness severity. Eleven (55%) clinicians were familiar with guidelines specifying a no antibiotic strategy. They identified challenges in not using antibiotics, including diagnostic uncertainty, consequences of undertreatment, parental expectations, follow-up concerns, and acceptance of the risks of unnecessary antibiotic treatment of many children if it means avoiding adverse outcomes for some children. CONCLUSIONS Although both parents and clinicians expressed broad support for the judicious use of antibiotics, pneumonia presents stewardship challenges. Interventions will need to consider the emotional, social, and logistical aspects of managing pneumonia, in addition to developing techniques to improve diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia E Szymczak
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ashley A Hayes
- Smith Child Health Catalyst, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Patricia Labellarte
- Smith Child Health Catalyst, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julian Zighelboim
- Smith Child Health Catalyst, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amandeep Toor
- Smith Child Health Catalyst, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Adam B Becker
- Smith Child Health Catalyst, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeffrey S Gerber
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nathan Kuppermann
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Todd A Florin
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Gil LA, Asti L, Beyene TJ, Cooper JN, Minneci PC, Besner GE. Inequities in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Appendicitis in Tertiary Children's Hospitals and the Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis. J Surg Res 2023; 292:158-166. [PMID: 37619501 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Missed diagnosis (MD) of acute appendicitis is associated with increased risk of appendiceal perforation. This study aimed to investigate whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in the diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis by comparing rates of MD versus single-encounter diagnosis (SED) between racial/ethnic groups. METHODS Patients 0-18 y-old admitted for acute appendicitis from February 2017 to December 2021 were identified in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for Emergency Department visits within 7 d prior to diagnosis were evaluated to determine whether the encounter represented MD. Generalized mixed models were used to assess the association between MD and patient characteristics. A similar model assessed independent predictors of perforation. RESULTS 51,164 patients admitted for acute appendicitis were included; 50,239 (98.2%) had SED and 925 (1.8%) had MD. Compared to non-Hispanic White patients, patients of non-Hispanic Black (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 2.0-3.1), Hispanic (2.1, 1.8-2.5), and other race/ethnicity (1.6, 1.2-2.1) had higher odds of MD. There was a significant interaction between race/ethnicity and imaging (P < 0.0001). Among patients with imaging, race/ethnicity was not significantly associated with MD. Among patients without imaging, there was an increase in strength of association between race/ethnicity and MD (non-Hispanic Black 3.6, 2.7-4.9; Hispanic 3.3, 2.6-4.1; other 2.0, 1.4-2.8). MD was associated with increased risk of perforation (2.5, 2.2-2.8). CONCLUSIONS Minority children were more likely to have MD. Future efforts should aim to mitigate the risk of MD, including implementation of algorithms to standardize the workup of abdominal pain to reduce potential consequences of implicit bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Gil
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lindsey Asti
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tariku J Beyene
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer N Cooper
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Peter C Minneci
- Center for Surgical Outcomes Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gail E Besner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
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Portillo EN, Rees CA, Hartford EA, Foughty ZC, Pickett ML, Gutman CK, Shihabuddin BS, Fleegler EW, Chumpitazi CE, Johnson TJ, Schnadower D, Shaw KN. Research Priorities for Pediatric Emergency Care to Address Disparities by Race, Ethnicity, and Language. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2343791. [PMID: 37955894 PMCID: PMC10644218 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.43791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Health care disparities are well-documented among children based on race, ethnicity, and language for care. An agenda that outlines research priorities for disparities in pediatric emergency care (PEC) is lacking. Objective To investigate research priorities for disparities in PEC among medical personnel, researchers, and health care-affiliated community organizations. Design, Setting, and Participants In this survey study, a modified Delphi approach was used to investigate research priorities for disparities in PEC. An initial list of research priorities was developed by a group of experienced PEC investigators in 2021. Partners iteratively assessed the list through 2 rounds of electronic surveys using Likert-type responses in late 2021 and early 2022. Priorities were defined as achieving consensus if they received a score of highest priority or priority by at least 60% of respondents. Asynchronous engagement of participants via online web-conferencing platforms and email correspondence with electronic survey administration was used. Partners were individuals and groups involved in PEC. Participants represented interest groups, research and medical personnel organizations, health care partners, and laypersons with roles in community and family hospital advisory councils. Participants were largely from the US, with input from international PEC research networks. Outcome Consensus agenda of research priorities to identify and address health care disparities in PEC. Results PEC investigators generated an initial list of 27 potential priorities. Surveys were completed by 38 of 47 partners (80.6%) and 30 of 38 partners (81.1%) in rounds 1 and 2, respectively. Among 30 respondents who completed both rounds, there were 7 family or community partners and 23 medical or research partners, including 4 international PEC research networks. A total of 12 research priorities achieved the predetermined consensus threshold: (1) systematic efforts to reduce disparities; (2) race, ethnicity, and language data collection and reporting; (3) recognizing and mitigating clinician implicit bias; (4) mental health disparities; (5) social determinants of health; (6) language and literacy; (7) acute pain-management disparities; (8) quality of care equity metrics; (9) shared decision-making; (10) patient experience; (11) triage and acuity score assignment; and (12) inclusive research participation. Conclusions and Relevance These results suggest a research priority agenda that may be used as a guide for investigators, research networks, organizations, and funding agencies to engage in and support high-priority disparities research topics in PEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse N. Portillo
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston
| | - Chris A. Rees
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Emily A. Hartford
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Zachary C. Foughty
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston
| | - Michelle L. Pickett
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Colleen K. Gutman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Bashar S. Shihabuddin
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
| | - Eric W. Fleegler
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Corrie E. Chumpitazi
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tiffani J. Johnson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento
| | - David Schnadower
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Kathy N. Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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11
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Kappy B, McKinley K, Chamberlain J, Badolato GM, Podolsky RH, Bond G, Schultz TR, Isbey S. Leaving Without Being Seen From the Pediatric Emergency Department: A New Baseline. J Emerg Med 2023; 65:e237-e249. [PMID: 37659902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2023.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left without being seen (LWBS) rates are an important quality metric for pediatric emergency departments (EDs), with high-acuity LWBS children representing a patient safety risk. Since July 2021, our ED experienced a surge in LWBS after the most stringent COVID-19 quarantine restrictions ended. OBJECTIVE We assessed changes in LWBS rates and examined associations of system factors and patient characteristics with LWBS. METHODS We performed a retrospective study in a large, urban pediatric ED for all arriving patients, comparing the following three time-periods: before COVID-19 (PRE, January 2018-February 2020), during early COVID-19 (COVID, March 2020-June 2021), and after the emergence of COVID-19 variants and re-emergence of seasonal viruses (POST, July 2021-December 2021). We compared descriptive statistics of daily LWBS rates, patient demographic characteristics, and system characteristics. Negative binomial (system factors) and logistic regression (patient characteristics) models were developed to evaluate the associations between system factors and LWBS, and patient characteristics and LWBS, respectively. RESULTS Mean daily LWBS rates changed from 1.8% PRE to 1.4% COVID to 10.7% during POST. Rates increased across every patient demographic and triage level during POST, despite a decrease in daily ED volume compared with PRE. LWBS rates were significantly associated with patients with an Emergency Severity Index score of 2, mean ED census, and staff productivity within multiple periods. Patient characteristics associated with LWBS included lower assigned triage levels and arrival between 8 pm and 4 am. CONCLUSIONS LWBS rates have shown a large and sustained increase since July 2021, even for high-acuity patients. We identified system factors that may provide opportunities to reduce LWBS. Further work should develop strategies to prevent LWBS in at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Kappy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia.
| | - Kenneth McKinley
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - James Chamberlain
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Gia M Badolato
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Robert H Podolsky
- Division of Biostatistics and Study Methodology, Center for Translational Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Gregory Bond
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Theresa Ryan Schultz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sarah Isbey
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
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12
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Hartford EA, Thomas AA, Kerwin O, Usoro E, Yoshida H, Burns B, Rutman LE, Migita R, Bradford M, Akhter S. Toward Improving Patient Equity in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Framework for Implementation. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:385-392. [PMID: 36669917 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Disparities in health care delivery and health outcomes for patients in the emergency department (ED) by race, ethnicity, and language for care (REaL) are common and well documented. Addressing inequities from structural racism, implicit bias, and language barriers can be challenging, and there is a lack of data on effective interventions. We describe the implementation of a multifaceted equity improvement strategy in a pediatric ED using Kotter's model for change as a framework to identify the key drivers. The main elements included a data dashboard with quality metrics stratified by patient self-reported REaL to visualize disparities, a staff workshop on implicit bias and microaggressions, and several clinical and operational tools that highlight equity. Our next steps include refining and repeating interventions and tracking important patient outcomes, including timely pain treatment, triage assessment, diagnostic evaluations, and interpreter use, with the overall goal of improving patient equity by REaL over time. This article presents a roadmap for a disparity reduction intervention, which can be part of a multifaceted approach to address health equity in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Hartford
- University of Washington, Department Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Anita A Thomas
- University of Washington, Department Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olivia Kerwin
- Seattle Children's Hospital Emergency Department, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Etiowo Usoro
- Seattle Children's Hospital Emergency Department, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hiromi Yoshida
- University of Washington, Department Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian Burns
- Seattle Children's Hospital Emergency Department, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lori E Rutman
- University of Washington, Department Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Russell Migita
- University of Washington, Department Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Sabreen Akhter
- University of Washington, Department Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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13
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Eysenbach G, Kleib M, Norris C, O'Rourke HM, Montgomery C, Douma M. The Use and Structure of Emergency Nurses' Triage Narrative Data: Scoping Review. JMIR Nurs 2023; 6:e41331. [PMID: 36637881 PMCID: PMC9883744 DOI: 10.2196/41331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments use triage to ensure that patients with the highest level of acuity receive care quickly and safely. Triage is typically a nursing process that is documented as structured and unstructured (free text) data. Free-text triage narratives have been studied for specific conditions but never reviewed in a comprehensive manner. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper was to identify and map the academic literature that examines triage narratives. The paper described the types of research conducted, identified gaps in the research, and determined where additional review may be warranted. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of unstructured triage narratives. We mapped the literature, described the use of triage narrative data, examined the information available on the form and structure of narratives, highlighted similarities among publications, and identified opportunities for future research. RESULTS We screened 18,074 studies published between 1990 and 2022 in CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and ProQuest Central. We identified 0.53% (96/18,074) of studies that directly examined the use of triage nurses' narratives. More than 12 million visits were made to 2438 emergency departments included in the review. In total, 82% (79/96) of these studies were conducted in the United States (43/96, 45%), Australia (31/96, 32%), or Canada (5/96, 5%). Triage narratives were used for research and case identification, as input variables for predictive modeling, and for quality improvement. Overall, 31% (30/96) of the studies offered a description of the triage narrative, including a list of the keywords used (27/96, 28%) or more fulsome descriptions (such as word counts, character counts, abbreviation, etc; 7/96, 7%). We found limited use of reporting guidelines (8/96, 8%). CONCLUSIONS The breadth of the identified studies suggests that there is widespread routine collection and research use of triage narrative data. Despite the use of triage narratives as a source of data in studies, the narratives and nurses who generate them are poorly described in the literature, and data reporting is inconsistent. Additional research is needed to describe the structure of triage narratives, determine the best use of triage narratives, and improve the consistent use of triage-specific data reporting guidelines. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055132.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manal Kleib
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Colleen Norris
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Matthew Douma
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Rees CA, Brousseau DC, Ahmad FA, Bennett J, Bhatt S, Bogie A, Brown KM, Casper TC, Chapman LL, Chumpitazi CE, Cohen DM, Dampier C, Ellison AM, Grasemann H, Hickey RW, Hsu LL, Lane PA, Bakshi N, Leibovich S, Patil P, Powell EC, Richards R, Sarnaik S, Weiner DL, Morris CR. Adherence to NHLBI guidelines for the emergent management of vaso-occlusive episodes in children with sickle cell disease: A multicenter perspective. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:E412-E415. [PMID: 36054566 PMCID: PMC9561082 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris A. Rees
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - David C. Brousseau
- Children’s Research Institute of the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Fahd A. Ahmad
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Seema Bhatt
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Amanda Bogie
- Univesrsity of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | | | - Laura L. Chapman
- Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Corrie E. Chumpitazi
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Carlton Dampier
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Robert W. Hickey
- Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lewis L. Hsu
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Peter A. Lane
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nitya Bakshi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sara Leibovich
- UCSF-Benioff Children’s Hospital at Oakland, Oakland, California
| | | | - Elizabeth C. Powell
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rachel Richards
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Debra L. Weiner
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia R. Morris
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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15
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Gutman CK, Lion KC, Fisher CL, Aronson PL, Patterson M, Fernandez R. Breaking through barriers: the need for effective research to promote language-concordant communication as a facilitator of equitable emergency care. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022; 3:e12639. [PMID: 35072163 PMCID: PMC8759339 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) are at high risk for adverse outcomes in the US health care system. This is particularly true for patients with LEP seeking care in the emergency department (ED). Although professional language interpretation improves the quality of care for these patients, it remains underused. The dynamic, discontinuous nature of an ED visit poses distinct challenges and opportunities for providing equitable, high-quality care for patients with LEP. Evidence-based best practices for identifying patients with LEP and using professional interpretation are well described but inadequately implemented. There are few examples in the literature of rigorous interventions to improve quality of care and outcomes for patients with LEP. There is an urgent need for high-quality research to improve communication with patients with LEP along the continuum of emergency care in order to achieve equity in outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen K Gutman
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
| | - K Casey Lion
- Department of Pediatrics University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Washington USA
- Center for Child Health, Behavior, and Development Seattle Children's Research Institute Seattle, Washington USA
| | - Carla L Fisher
- STEM Translational Communication Center University of Florida College of Journalism and Communication Gainesville Florida USA
- UF Health Cancer Center, Center for Arts in Medicine University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Paul L Aronson
- Department of Pediatrics Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Mary Patterson
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
- Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Rosemarie Fernandez
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
- Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation University of Florida College of Medicine Gainesville Florida USA
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16
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Purtell R, Tam RP, Avondet E, Gradick K. We are part of the problem: the role of children's hospitals in addressing health inequity. Hosp Pract (1995) 2021; 49:445-455. [PMID: 35061953 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2022.2032072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Racism is an ongoing public health crisis that undermines health equity for all children in hospitals across our nation. The presence and impact of institutionalized racism contributes to health inequity and is under described in the medical literature. In this review, we focus on key interdependent areas to foster inclusion, diversity, and equity in Children's Hospitals, including 1) promotion of workforce diversity 2) provision of anti-racist, equitable hospital patient care, and 3) prioritization of academic scholarship focused on health equity research, quality improvement, medical education, and advocacy. We discuss the implications for clinical and academic practice.Plain Language Summary: Racism in Children's Hospitals harms children. We as health-care providers and hospital systems are part of the problem. We reviewed the literature for the best ways to foster inclusion, diversity, and equity in hospitals. Hospitals can be leaders in improving child health equity by supporting a more diverse workforce, providing anti-racist patient care, and prioritizing health equity scholarship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Purtell
- Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Reena P Tam
- Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Erin Avondet
- Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Katie Gradick
- Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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