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Steppe S, Stokes DC, Underhill C, Winders TA, Gardner DD, Michael CF. Changing high-risk asthma in Memphis through partnership: Results from the CHAMP program. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:485-490.e2. [PMID: 38081410 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.12.002] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children in metro Shelby County, Tennessee, have disproportionally high asthma-related health care resource use (HRU) compared with those in other regions in Tennessee. OBJECTIVE To describe the goals, logistics, and outcomes of the Changing High-Risk Asthma in Memphis through Partnership (CHAMP) program implemented to improve pediatric asthma care in Shelby County. METHODS CHAMP established a multidisciplinary team with dedicated medical staff and community health workers, implemented a 24/7 call line to improve access to care, established a patient data registry to address fragmented care, assigned community health educators to improve asthma education and social needs, and partnered with services to address environmental triggers and social determinants of health. Patients eligible for CHAMP are Shelby County residents aged 2 to 18 years with high-risk asthma enrolled in Tennessee's Medicaid managed care program. Health care resource use outcomes 1-year pre- and post-CHAMP enrollment were analyzed for patients who had completed 1 year of CHAMP between January 2013 and December 2022. The 24/7 call line data between November 2013 and December 2022 were analyzed. RESULTS CHAMP has enrolled 1348 children; 945 have completed 1 year (63% male; 90% identified as Black). At 1-year post-CHAMP enrollment, patients had 58%, 68%, 42%, and 53% reductions in emergency department visits, inpatient and observation visits, urgent care visits, and total asthma exacerbations, respectively. The number of asthma exacerbations per patient significantly decreased from 2.97 to 1.40 at 1-year post-CHAMP enrollment. Of the calls made to the 24/7 call line, 58% occurred after hours and 52% led to issue resolution without a medical facility visit. CONCLUSION CHAMP successfully decreased asthma HRU in children with high-risk asthma in Shelby County by implementing initiatives that targeted barriers to asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Steppe
- Methodist Le Bonheur Community Outreach, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Dennis C Stokes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Tonya A Winders
- Allergy & Asthma Network, Fairfax, Virginia; Global Allergy & Airways Patient Platform, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Christie F Michael
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.
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Kasten-Arias C, Hodes T, Marino M, Kaufmann J, Lucas JA, Estela Vasquez Guzman C, Giebultowicz S, Chan B, Heintzman J. Healthcare utilization for asthma exacerbation among children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Prev Med Rep 2024; 38:102598. [PMID: 38283959 PMCID: PMC10821615 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Latino children of Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) with asthma are at risk for poor health outcomes due to medical access barriers. We compared differences in acute care utilization for asthma exacerbations among migrant and non-migrant Latino and non-Hispanic white (NHW) children at U.S. community health centers. A retrospective observational study utilizing electronic health record data from the ADVANCE Clinical Research Network of United States community health centers included 13,423 children ages 3-17 with a primary care visit between 2005 and 2017 from eight states. Emergency department (ED) and hospitalization data came from Oregon Medicaid claims. Outcomes included acute clinic visits, ED visits, and hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation. Regression analyses adjusted for patient-level covariates. Latino children had higher odds of acute clinic visits for asthma exacerbation compared to NHW children (MSFW odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95 % CI = 1.03-1.33; without migrant status OR = 1.13, 95 % CI = 1.03-1.23). MSFW children using Oregon Medicaid had fewer ED visits (rate ratio [RR] = 0.72, 95 % CI = 0.52-0.99) and hospitalizations (RR = 0.47, 95 % CI = 0.26-0.86) compared to NHW children. Increased community health center visits may help mitigate disparities in acute asthma care for MSFW children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tahlia Hodes
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Family Medicine, Portland OR, USA
| | - Miguel Marino
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Family Medicine, Portland OR, USA
| | - Jorge Kaufmann
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Family Medicine, Portland OR, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Lucas
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Family Medicine, Portland OR, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Chan
- OCHIN, Inc. Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Portland OR, USA
| | - John Heintzman
- Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Family Medicine, Portland OR, USA
- OCHIN, Inc. Portland, OR, USA
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Correa-Agudelo E, Gautam Y, Mendy A, Mersha TB. Racial differences in length of stay and readmission for asthma in the all of us research program. J Transl Med 2024; 22:22. [PMID: 38178151 PMCID: PMC10768130 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04826-9] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study addresses the limited research on racial disparities in asthma hospitalization outcomes, specifically length of stay (LOS) and readmission, across the U.S. METHODS We analyzed in-patient and emergency department visits from the All of Us Research Program, identifying various risk factors (demographic, comorbid, temporal, and place-based) associated with asthma LOS and 30-day readmission using Bayesian mixed-effects models. RESULTS Of 17,233 patients (48.0% White, 30.7% Black, 19.7% Hispanic/Latino, 1.3% Asian, and 0.3% Middle Eastern and North African) with 82,188 asthma visits, Black participants had 20% shorter LOS and 12% higher odds of readmission, compared to White participants in multivariate analyses. Public-insured patients had 14% longer LOS and 39% higher readmission odds than commercially insured patients. Weekend admissions resulted in a 12% shorter LOS but 10% higher readmission odds. Asthmatics with chronic diseases had a longer LOS (range: 6-39%) and higher readmission odds (range: 9-32%) except for those with allergic rhinitis, who had a 23% shorter LOS. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing asthma hospitalization, in conjunction with diverse datasets and clinical-community partnerships, can help physicians and policymakers to systematically address racial disparities, healthcare utilization and equitable outcomes in asthma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Correa-Agudelo
- Division of Asthma Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Yadu Gautam
- Division of Asthma Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Angelico Mendy
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tesfaye B Mersha
- Division of Asthma Research, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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Quek JS, Tang WE, Chen E, Smith HE. Understanding the journeys of patients with an asthma exacerbation requiring urgent therapy at a primary care clinic. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:231. [PMID: 35710361 PMCID: PMC9204991 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02024-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a significant health issue in primary care. We examined the journeys of patients with asthma exacerbations requiring urgent therapy at a primary care clinic in Singapore. METHODS Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who received urgent therapy for asthma exacerbation at a primary care clinic. Data collected was used to construct themes. RESULTS Fifteen multi-ethnic adult patients were recruited. Participants cited treatment cost, underuse of preventer medication, difficulties attending routine asthma care due to work, and stigma as barriers to asthma control. Reasons for delay in seeking urgent care for asthma were: inability to access medical care out of hours, competing priorities, perception that an exacerbation was 'not serious enough', difficulty recognizing symptoms of asthma exacerbation, and being tired or despondent. Participants were triggered to seek care due to failure of reliever inhalers, duration of symptoms, sleep disturbance, inability to work, or advice from others. During an exacerbation, participants often initiated other self-management measures besides using reliever medication. This included over-the-counter medications and non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. drinking water). Of the 15 patients interviewed, only one stepped up preventer inhaler adequately, according to their Asthma Action Plan (AAP). CONCLUSIONS In caring for patients with asthma, primary care providers should address patients' asthma self-management skills, such as recognizing symptoms of asthma exacerbations and regular preventer use, and provide clear instructions on how to respond to asthma symptoms (AAP). Minimizing direct (medication and consultation fees) and indirect costs (loss of earnings and adverse impact on employment prospects) are also important considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sheng Quek
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Nexus@one-north, South Tower, #05-10, Singapore, 138543, Singapore.
| | - Wern Ee Tang
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Nexus@one-north, South Tower, #05-10, Singapore, 138543, Singapore
| | - Elya Chen
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Nexus@one-north, South Tower, #05-10, Singapore, 138543, Singapore
| | - Helen Elizabeth Smith
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Level 18, Singapore, 308232, Singapore
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Are primary care and continuity of care associated with asthma-related acute outcomes amongst children? A retrospective population-based study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:5. [PMID: 35172739 PMCID: PMC8759282 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01605-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having a primary care provider and a continuous relationship may be important for asthma outcomes. In this study, we sought to determine the association between 1) having a usual provider of primary care (UPC) and asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization in Québec children with asthma and 2) UPC continuity of care and asthma outcomes. METHODS Population-based retrospective cohort study using Québec provincial health administrative data, including children 2-16 years old with asthma (N = 39, 341). Exposures and outcomes were measured from 2010-2011 and 2012-2013, respectively. Primary exposure was UPC stratified by the main primary care models in Quebec (team-based Family Medicine Groups, family physicians not in Family Medicine Groups, pediatricians, or no assigned UPC). For those with an assigned UPC the secondary exposure was continuity of care, measured by the UPC Index (high, medium, low). Four multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between exposures and outcomes (ED visits and hospitalizations). RESULTS Overall, 17.4% of children had no assigned UPC. Compared to no assigned UPC, having a UPC was associated with decreased asthma-related ED visits (pediatrician Odds Ratio (OR): 0.80, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.73, 0.88]; Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.75,0.93]; non-Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.92, 95% CI [0.83, 1.02]) and hospital admissions (pediatrician OR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.58, 0.75]; Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.82, 95% CI [0.72, 0.93]; non-Family Medicine Groups OR: 0.76, 95% CI [0.67, 0.87]). Children followed by a pediatrician were more likely to have high continuity of care. Continuity of care was not significantly associated with asthma-related ED visits. Compared to low continuity, medium and high continuity of care decreased asthma-related hospital admissions, but none of these associations were significant. CONCLUSION Having a UPC was associated with reduced asthma-related ED visits and hospital admissions. However, continuity of care was not significantly associated with outcomes. The current study provides ongoing evidence for the importance of primary care in children with asthma.
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Liao PF, Wang YT, Wang YH, Chiou JY, Wei JCC. Traditional Chinese medicine use may reduce medical utility in patients with asthma: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study. QJM 2022; 114:857-864. [PMID: 32821936 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcaa252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with atopic diseases, including asthma, have sought complementary and alternative medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. But, limited clinical studies have yet examined TCM effects on medical utility in asthma patients. AIM To assess the medical utility of TCM in patients with asthma. DESIGN Population-based retrospective cohort study. METHODS We performed a 13-year population-based retrospective cohort study. A total of 5235 asthma patients who were TCM users and 5235 propensity-score matched asthma patients who never used TCM were sampled from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 2000 to 2012. We compared these two groups of patients to calculate their medical utility, including numbers of emergency visits and hospitalizations until 2013. Univariate analyses were performed using Chi-square tests for dichotomous variables and t-tests for continuous variables. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to investigate the medical utility of asthma after TCM use. RESULTS Compared with non-TCM patients, TCM patients had a significantly decreased medical utility of asthma admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.85; P < 0.05], especially in patients who used TCM for >60 days. Asthma medical utility in asthma emergencies was significantly higher for male than for female patients (adjusted OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.08-1.96). The most frequently used TCMs for asthma control or cough treatment were antitussive agents. CONCLUSION This population-based retrospective cohort study showed a significantly decreased medical utility of emergency visits and admissions in TCM patients, especially using TCM for >60 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Liao
- From the School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - Y T Wang
- Institute of Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - Y H Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - J Y Chiou
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - J C C Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University
- Department of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
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Nelsen LM, Kosinski M, Rizio AA, Jacques L, Schatz M, Stanford RH, Svedsater H. A structured review evaluating content validity of the Asthma Control Test, and its consistency with U.S. guidelines and patient expectations for asthma control. J Asthma 2020; 59:628-637. [PMID: 33377411 DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2020.1861624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether the content of the Asthma Control Test (ACT) served as a valid measure of asthma control (i.e., content validity) by mapping ACT items to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guideline asthma control definitions, and to language used by patients to describe their asthma. DATA SOURCES PubMed and EMBASE databases were used for a structured literature analysis. STUDY SELECTIONS Full-text, English-language articles that reported findings from qualitative studies conducted in adults, focusing on patient descriptors of asthma symptoms, impacts, or severity, were included. Pediatric studies, studies conducted in patients without asthma, and studies that did not contain qualitative data were excluded. RESULTS ACT items reflected all domains of asthma impairment described in the NHLBI guidelines, except pulmonary function. Following the literature review, 28 full-text publications were identified that included patient descriptors that could be mapped to ACT items. For example, per ACT Item 1, patients described having trouble at work, school, and completing household chores; and, per ACT Item 2, patients used the phrase "short of breath" to describe asthma-associated symptoms. CONCLUSION ACT item content corresponded well with the NHLBI guideline definitions of the impairment domain of asthma control (focused on asthma symptoms and impact), and we identified numerous examples in the literature indicating that ACT concepts and item content mirror the language patients use when discussing asthma symptoms and impact, and their degree of asthma control. This provides further evidence to support content validity of the ACT as a measure of asthma control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Nelsen
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael Schatz
- Department of Allergy, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Richard H Stanford
- US Value Evidence and Outcomes, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA (at the time of study)
| | - Henrik Svedsater
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Brentford, MDX, UK
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A Scoping Review of International Barriers to Asthma Medication Adherence Mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2020; 9:410-418.e4. [PMID: 32861047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, adult asthma medication adherence rates are low. Studies characterizing variations in barriers by country are lacking. OBJECTIVE To conduct a scoping review to characterize international variations in barriers to asthma medication adherence among adults. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), and CINAHL were searched from inception to February 2017. English-language studies employing qualitative methods (eg, focus groups, interviews) were selected to assess adult patient- and/or caregiver-reported barriers to asthma medication adherence. Two investigators independently identified, extracted data, and collected study characteristics, methodologic approach, and barriers. Barriers were mapped using the Theoretical Domains Framework and findings categorized according to participants' country of residence, countries' gross national income, and the presence of universal health care (World Health Organization definitions). RESULTS Among 2942 unique abstracts, we reviewed 809 full texts. Among these, we identified 47 studies, conducted in 12 countries, meeting eligibility. Studies included a total of 2614 subjects, predominately female (67%), with the mean age of 19.1 to 70 years. Most commonly reported barriers were beliefs about consequences (eg, medications not needed for asthma control, N = 29, 61.7%) and knowledge (eg, not knowing when to take medication, N = 27, 57.4%); least common was goals (eg, asthma not a priority, N = 1, 2.1%). In 27 studies conducted in countries classified as high income (HIC) with universal health care (UHC), the most reported barrier was participants' beliefs about consequences (N = 17, 63.3%). However, environmental context and resources (N = 12, 66.7%) were more common in HIC without UHC. CONCLUSION International adherence barriers are diverse and may vary with a country's sociopolitical context. Future adherence interventions should account for trends.
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O’Cathain A, Knowles E, Long J, Connell J, Bishop-Edwards L, Simpson R, Coster J, Abouzeid L, Bennett S, Croot E, Dickson JM, Goodacre S, Hirst E, Jacques R, Phillips M, Turnbull J, Turner J. Drivers of ‘clinically unnecessary’ use of emergency and urgent care: the DEUCE mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
There is widespread concern about the pressure on emergency and urgent services in the UK, particularly emergency ambulances, emergency departments and same-day general practitioner appointments. A mismatch between supply and demand has led to interest in what can be termed ‘clinically unnecessary’ use of services. This is defined by the research team in this study as ‘patients attending services with problems that are classified as suitable for treatment by a lower urgency service or self-care’. This is a challenging issue to consider because patients may face difficulties when deciding the best action to take, and different staff may make different judgements about what constitutes a legitimate reason for service use.
Objectives
To identify the drivers of ‘clinically unnecessary’ use of emergency ambulances, emergency departments and same-day general practitioner appointments from patient and population perspectives.
Design
This was a sequential mixed-methods study with three components: a realist review; qualitative interviews (n = 48) and focus groups (n = 3) with patients considered ‘clinically unnecessary’ users of these services, focusing on parents of young children, young adults and people in areas of social deprivation; and a population survey (n = 2906) to explore attitudes towards seeking care for unexpected, non-life-threatening health problems and to identify the characteristics of someone with a tendency for ‘clinically unnecessary’ help-seeking.
Results
From the results of the three study components, we found that multiple, interacting drivers influenced individuals’ decision-making. Drivers could be grouped into symptom related, patient related and health service related. Symptom-related drivers were anxiety or need for reassurance, which were caused by uncertainty about the meaning or seriousness of symptoms; concern about the impact of symptoms on daily activities/functioning; and a need for immediate relief of intolerable symptoms, particularly pain. Patient-related drivers were reduced coping capacity as a result of illness, stress or limited resources; fear of consequences when responsible for another person’s health, particularly a child; and the influence of social networks. Health service-related drivers were perceptions or previous experiences of services, particularly the attractions of emergency departments; a lack of timely access to an appropriate general practitioner appointment; and compliance with health service staff’s advice.
Limitations
Difficulty recruiting patients who had used the ambulance service to the interviews and focus groups meant that we were not able to add as much as we had anticipated to the limited evidence base regarding this service.
Conclusions
Patients use emergency ambulances, emergency departments and same-day general practitioner appointments when they may not need the level of clinical care provided by these services for a multitude of inter-related reasons that sometimes differ by population subgroup. Some of these reasons relate to health services, in terms of difficulty accessing general practice leading to use of emergency departments, and to population-learnt behaviour concerning the positive attributes of emergency departments, rather than to patient characteristics. Social circumstances, such as complex and stressful lives, influence help-seeking for all three services. Demand may be ‘clinically unnecessary’ but completely understandable when service accessibility and patients’ social circumstances are considered.
Future work
There is a need to evaluate interventions, including changing service configuration, strengthening general practice and addressing the stressors that have an impact on people’s coping capacity. Different subgroups may require different interventions.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017056273.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 15. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia O’Cathain
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Emma Knowles
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jaqui Long
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Janice Connell
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Rebecca Simpson
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joanne Coster
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Croot
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jon M Dickson
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Steve Goodacre
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Enid Hirst
- Sheffield Emergency Care Forum, Sheffield, UK
| | - Richard Jacques
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Janette Turner
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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O'Cathain A, Connell J, Long J, Coster J. 'Clinically unnecessary' use of emergency and urgent care: A realist review of patients' decision making. Health Expect 2019; 23:19-40. [PMID: 31663219 PMCID: PMC6978874 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Demand is labelled ‘clinically unnecessary’ when patients do not need the levels of clinical care or urgency provided by the service they contact. Objective To identify programme theories which seek to explain why patients make use of emergency and urgent care that is subsequently judged as clinically unnecessary. Design Realist review. Methods Papers from four recent systematic reviews of demand for emergency and urgent care, and an updated search to January 2017. Programme theories developed using Context‐Mechanism‐Outcome chains identified from 32 qualitative studies and tested by exploring their relationship with existing health behaviour theories and 29 quantitative studies. Results Six mechanisms, based on ten interrelated programme theories, explained why patients made clinically unnecessary use of emergency and urgent care: (a) need for risk minimization, for example heightened anxiety due to previous experiences of traumatic events; (b) need for speed, for example caused by need to function normally to attend to responsibilities; (c) need for low treatment‐seeking burden, caused by inability to cope due to complex or stressful lives; (d) compliance, because family or health services had advised such action; (e) consumer satisfaction, because emergency departments were perceived to offer the desired tests and expertise when contrasted with primary care; and (f) frustration, where patients had attempted and failed to obtain a general practitioner appointment in the desired timeframe. Multiple mechanisms could operate for an individual. Conclusions Rather than only focusing on individuals' behaviour, interventions could include changes to health service configuration and accessibility, and societal changes to increase coping ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia O'Cathain
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Janice Connell
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jaqui Long
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Joanne Coster
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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11
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Turnbull J, McKenna G, Prichard J, Rogers A, Crouch R, Lennon A, Pope C. Sense-making strategies and help-seeking behaviours associated with urgent care services: a mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr07260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPolicy has been focused on reducing unnecessary emergency department attendances by providing more responsive urgent care services and guiding patients to ‘the right place’. The variety of services has created a complex urgent care landscape for people to access and navigate.ObjectivesTo describe how the public, providers and policy-makers define and make sense of urgent care; to explain how sense-making influences patients’ strategies and choices; to analyse patient ‘work’ in understanding, navigating and choosing urgent care; to explain urgent care utilisation; and to identify potentially modifiable factors in decision-making.DesignMixed-methods sequential design.SettingFour counties in southern England coterminous with a NHS 111 provider area.MethodsA literature review of policy and research combined with citizens’ panels and serial qualitative interviews. Four citizens’ panels were conducted with the public, health-care professionals, commissioners and managers (n = 41). Three populations were sampled for interview: people aged ≥ 75 years, people aged 18–26 years and East European people. In total, 134 interviews were conducted. Analyses were integrated to develop a conceptual model of urgent care help-seeking.FindingsThe literature review identified some consensus between policy and provider perspectives regarding the physiological factors that feature in conceptualisations of urgent care. However, the terms ‘urgent’ and ‘emergency’ lack specificity or consistency in meaning. Boundaries between urgent and emergency care are ill-defined. We constructed a typology that distinguishes three types of work that take place at both the individual and social network levels in relation to urgent care sense-making and help-seeking.Illness workinvolves interpretation and decision-making about the meaning, severity and management of physical symptoms and psychological states, and the assessment and management of possible risks. Help-seeking was guided bymoral work: the legitimation and sanctioning done by service users.Navigation workconcerned choosing and accessing services and relied on prior knowledge of what was available, accessible and acceptable. From these empirical data, we developed a model of urgent care sense-making and help-seeking behaviour that emphasises that work informs the interaction between what we think and feel about illness and the need to seek care (sense-making) and action – the decisions we take and how we use urgent care (help-seeking).LimitationsThe sample population of our three groups may not have adequately reflected a diverse range of views and experiences. The study enabled us to capture people’s views and self-reported service use rather than their actual behaviour.ConclusionsMuch of the policy surrounding urgent and emergency care is predicated on the notion that ‘urgent’ sits neatly between emergency and routine; however, service users in particular struggle to distinguish urgent from emergency or routine care. Rather than focusing on individual sense-making, future work should attend to social and temporal contexts that have an impact on help-seeking (e.g. why people find it more difficult to manage pain at night), and how different social networks shape service use.Future workA whole-systems approach considering integration across a wider network of partners is key to understanding the complex relationships between demand for and access to urgent care.Study registrationThis study is registered as UKCRN 32207.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Turnbull
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gemma McKenna
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Prichard
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anne Rogers
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Robert Crouch
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew Lennon
- Southern Headquarters, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS), Winchester, UK
| | - Catherine Pope
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Fitzpatrick AM, Gillespie SE, Mauger DT, Phillips BR, Bleecker ER, Israel E, Meyers DA, Moore WC, Sorkness RL, Wenzel SE, Bacharier LB, Castro M, Denlinger LC, Erzurum SC, Fahy JV, Gaston BM, Jarjour NN, Larkin A, Levy BD, Ly NP, Ortega VE, Peters SP, Phipatanakul W, Ramratnam S, Teague WG. Racial disparities in asthma-related health care use in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 143:2052-2061. [PMID: 30635198 PMCID: PMC6556425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in asthma care, disparities persist. Black patients are disproportionally affected by asthma and also have poorer outcomes compared with white patients. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine associations between black and white patients and asthma-related health care use, accounting for complex relationships. METHODS This study was completed as part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Severe Asthma Research Program, a prospective observational cohort. Between November 2012 and February 2015, it enrolled 579 participants 6 years and older with 1 year of observation time and complete data. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance racial groups with respect to community and family socioeconomic variables and environmental exposure variables. The primary outcome was emergency department (ED) use for asthma. Secondary outcomes included inhaled corticosteroid use, outpatient physician's office visits for asthma, and asthma-related hospitalization. RESULTS Black patients had greater odds of ED use over 1 year (odds ratio, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.43-3.35) but also differed in the majority (>50%) of baseline variables measured. After statistical balancing of the racial groups, the difference between black and white patients with respect to ED use no longer reached the level of significance. Instead, in secondary analyses black patients were less likely to see an outpatient physician for asthma management (adjusted odds ratio, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38-0.85). CONCLUSIONS The disparity in ED use was eliminated after consideration of multiple variables. Social and environmental policies and interventions tailored to black populations with a high burden of asthma are critical to reduction (or elimination) of these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David T Mauger
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Public Health Sciences, Hershey, Pa
| | - Brenda R Phillips
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Public Health Sciences, Hershey, Pa
| | | | - Elliot Israel
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | | | - Wendy C Moore
- Wake Forest University, Department of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | | | - Sally E Wenzel
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | | | - Mario Castro
- Washington University, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, St Louis, Mo
| | | | | | - John V Fahy
- University of California, San Francisco, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Calif
| | - Benjamin M Gaston
- Case Western Reserve University, Department of Pediatrics, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Allyson Larkin
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Bruce D Levy
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Mass
| | - Ngoc P Ly
- University of California, San Francisco, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Calif
| | - Victor E Ortega
- Wake Forest University, Department of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Stephen P Peters
- Wake Forest University, Department of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Wanda Phipatanakul
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, Boston, Mass
| | - Sima Ramratnam
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Medicine, Madison
| | - W Gerald Teague
- University of Virginia, Department of Pediatrics, Charlottesville, Va
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Samuels‐Kalow ME, Faridi MK, Espinola JA, Klig JE, Camargo CA. Comparing Statewide and Single-center Data to Predict High-frequency Emergency Department Utilization Among Patients With Asthma Exacerbation. Acad Emerg Med 2018; 25:657-667. [PMID: 29105238 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies examining high-frequency emergency department (ED) utilization have primarily used single-center data, potentially leading to ascertainment bias if patients visit multiple centers. The goals of this study were 1) to create a predictive model to prospectively identify patients at risk of high-frequency ED utilization for asthma and 2) to examine how that model differed using statewide versus single-center data. METHODS To track ED visits within a state, we analyzed 2011 to 2013 data from the New York State Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Emergency Department Databases. The first year of data (2011) was used to determine prior utilization, 2012 was used to identify index ED visits for asthma and for demographics, and 2013 was used for outcome ascertainment. High-frequency utilization was defined as 4+ ED visits for asthma within 1 year after the index visit. We performed analyses separately for children (age < 21 years) and adults and constructed two models: one included all statewide (multicenter) visits and the other was restricted to index hospital (single-center) visits. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed from potential predictors selected a priori. The final model was chosen by evaluating model performance using Akaike's Information Criterion scores, 10-fold cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS Among children, high-frequency ED utilization for asthma was observed in 2,417 of 94,258 (2.56%) using all statewide visits, compared to 1,853 of 94,258 (1.97%) for index hospital visits only. Among adults, the corresponding results were 7,779 of 159,874 (4.87%) and 5,053 of 159,874 (3.16%), respectively. In the multicenter visit model, the area under the curve (AUC) from 10-fold cross-validation for children was 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69-0.72), compared to 0.71 (95% CI = 0.69-0.72) in the single-center visit model. The corresponding AUC results for adults were 0.76 (95% CI = 0.76-0.77) and 0.76 (95% CI = 0.75-0.77), respectively. CONCLUSION Data available at the index ED visit can predict subsequent high-frequency utilization for asthma with AUC ranging from 0.70 to 0.76. Model accuracy was similar regardless of whether outcome ascertainment included all statewide visits (multicenter) or was limited to the index hospital (single-center).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad K. Faridi
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Janice A. Espinola
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
| | - Jean E. Klig
- Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital Boston MA
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Goto T, Camargo CA, Gimenez-Zapiola C, Pallin DJ, Shapiro NI, Ferro TJ, Rainville C, Stoyanov S, Hasegawa K. Comparing Ran-Out Status of Inhaled Short-Acting Beta-Agonists in Emergency Department Patients with Acute Asthma: 1996-1998 versus 2015-2017. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY-IN PRACTICE 2018; 6:1999-2005.e3. [PMID: 29653218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication nonadherence, including running out of inhaled asthma medications, is an important problem. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine the changes in the proportion of adults with acute asthma who ran out of their short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) inhalers before presenting to the emergency department (ED) between 1996--1998 and 2015-2017. METHODS We analyzed data from prospective multicenter observational cohort studies of ED adult patients (aged 18-54 years) with acute asthma. Within the same 3 EDs, we performed a structured interview during 2 time periods: 1996-1998 and 2015-2017. We fitted multivariable models to compare ran-out status between the 2 periods, adjusting for the baseline patient demographics, socioeconomic status, chronic asthma factors, and health care utilization factors. We further adjusted for the presence of a written action plan-an intervenable factor. RESULTS The analytic cohort comprised 353 patients (150 from the 1996-1998 studies and 203 from the 2015-2017 study). Over the approximately 20-year period, the proportion of patients who ran out of SABA inhalers increased (18% in 1996-1998 vs 26% in 2015-2017). In the multivariable model, compared with patients in 1996-1998, those in 2015-2017 had a significantly higher risk of running out of their SABA inhalers (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-3.81; P = .03). With further adjustment for the presence of a written action plan, this difference attenuated (adjusted OR 1.66; 95% CI 0.75-3.68; P = .21). CONCLUSIONS Between 1996 and 2017, the proportion of ED patients with asthma who ran out of SABA inhalers significantly increased. The increase was explained, at least partially, by a lack of a written action plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Goto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass.
| | - Carlos A Camargo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | | | - Daniel J Pallin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass
| | - Nathan I Shapiro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Mass
| | | | | | | | - Kohei Hasegawa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Mass
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Pickles K, Eassey D, Reddel HK, Locock L, Kirkpatrick S, Smith L. "This illness diminishes me. What it does is like theft": A qualitative meta-synthesis of people's experiences of living with asthma. Health Expect 2018; 21:23-40. [PMID: 28768067 PMCID: PMC5750696 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND What matters to people in their everyday experiences of living with asthma is influenced by a diverse range of personal, social, medical and environmental factors. Previous reviews of the asthma literature have largely focused on medical aspects of asthma or specific population groups with particular needs. OBJECTIVE To identify, describe and synthesize from the available qualitative literature the views and experiences of adults living with asthma. METHOD We systematically searched for qualitative studies reporting on the personal experience of living with asthma. A meta-synthesis approach was used to analyse and interpret the data. Key themes relating to personal perspectives on asthma were identified and grouped into overarching concepts. RESULTS We identified 26 studies. There was a paucity of literature on the physical burden of asthma symptoms and the role of social support. Our synthesis generated a central concept of the "work" associated with living with asthma: work was of a personal nature, and at times an intensely emotional experience. Individuals tailored their behaviour in response to demands of the physical and social environment, including interactions with health-care professionals. CONCLUSION This is the first systematic review of the qualitative literature reporting on people's own perspectives of living with asthma. Our findings draw attention to the nuances and sensitivities surrounding patient experiences of self-management. Medical care is a central plank of managing chronic conditions, but our health-care systems are now expected to deliver patient-centred care. Considering the broader aspects of asthma management, beyond that of symptoms and treatment, will help to facilitate comprehensive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Pickles
- Centre for Values, Ethics & the Law in MedicineUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Daniela Eassey
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Helen K. Reddel
- Woolcock Institute of Medical ResearchUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Louise Locock
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health ScienceUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Susan Kirkpatrick
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health ScienceUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Lorraine Smith
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
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Anders J, Hill A, Chung SE, Butz A, Rothman R, Gaydos C, Perin J, Trent M. Patient Satisfaction and Treatment Adherence for Urban Adolescents and Young Adults with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3. [PMID: 29756068 DOI: 10.15761/tec.1000152] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Urban adolescents with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) often seek care in emergency departments (ED). This study examines the effect of the ED patient experience - wait time (WT) and length of stay (LOS) - on satisfaction and medication adherence among urban adolescents with PID. Methods Adolescents with PID were enrolled in an urban teaching hospital ED. Chart data were matched with 2-week interview queries about satisfaction and medication adherence. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses evaluated the relationships between WT, LOS, provider type, satisfaction, and medication adherence. Results Of 83 participants, 96% report satisfaction with care, but only 45% report medication adherence. Mean WT was 55 minutes and mean LOS 200 minutes. Patients with higher LOS were less adherent with medication; this relationship became non-significant after adjustments. Patients seen by trainees had much longer LOS, but no differences in satisfaction or medication adherence. Conclusions Urban adolescents with PID report satisfaction with ED care despite prolonged LOS and medication adherence is poor. Optimization of ED workflows may improve outcomes in young women with PID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Anders
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexandra Hill
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shang-En Chung
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Arlene Butz
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard Rothman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Charlotte Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jamie Perin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Baltimore Maryland
| | - Maria Trent
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Emergency department (ED) crowding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its etiology is multifactorial, and frequent ED use (defined as more or equal to five visits per year) is a major contributor to high patient volumes. Our primary objective is to characterize the frequent user population. Our secondary objective is to examine risk factors for frequent emergency use. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits at the Montreal Children's Hospital using the Système Informatique Urgence (SIURGE), electronic medical record database. We analysed the relation between patient's characteristics and the number of PED visits over a 1-year period following the index visit. RESULTS Patients totalling 52,088 accounted for 94,155 visits. Of those, 2,474 (4.7%) patients had five and more recurrent visits and accounted for 16.6% (15,612 visits) of the total PED visits. Lower level of acuity at index visit (odds ratio [OR] 0.85) was associated with a lower number of recurrent visits. Lower socioeconomic status (social deprivation index OR 1.09, material deprivation index OR 1.08) was associated with a higher number of recurrent visits. Asthma (OR 1.57); infectious ear, nose, and sinus disorders (OR 1.33); and other respiratory disorders (OR 1.56) were independently associated with a higher incidence of a recurrent visit within the year following the first visit. CONCLUSION Our study is the first Canadian study to assess risk factors of frequent pediatric emergency use. The identified risk factors and diagnoses highlight the need for future evidence-based, targeted innovative research evaluating strategies to minimize ED crowding, to improve health outcomes and to improve patient satisfaction.
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Hill J, Arrotta N, Villa-Roel C, Dennett L, Rowe BH. Factors associated with relapse in adult patients discharged from the emergency department following acute asthma: a systematic review. BMJ Open Respir Res 2017; 4:e000169. [PMID: 28176972 PMCID: PMC5278313 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2016-000169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) with asthma exacerbations will relapse within 4 weeks. This systematic review summarises the evidence regarding relapses and factors associated with relapse in adult patients discharged from EDs after being treated for acute asthma. Following a registered protocol, comprehensive literature searches were conducted. Studies tracking outcomes for adults after ED management and discharge were included if they involved adjusted analyses. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Risk of Bias (RoB) Tool. Results were summarised using medians and IQRs or mean and SD, as appropriate. 178 articles underwent full-text review and 10 studies, of various methodologies, involving 32 923 patients were included. The majority of the studies were of high quality according to NOS and RoB Tool. Relapse proportions were 8±3%, 12±4% and 14±6% at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. Female sex was the most commonly reported and statistically significant factor associated with an increased risk of relapse within 4 weeks of ED discharge for acute asthma. Other factors significantly associated with relapse were past healthcare usage and previous inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) usage. A median of 17% of patients who are discharged from the ED will relapse within the first 4 weeks. Factors such as female sex, past healthcare usage and ICS use at presentation were commonly and significantly associated with relapse occurrence. Identifying patients with these features could provide clinicians with guidance during their ED discharge decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Hill
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicholas Arrotta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cristina Villa-Roel
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Liz Dennett
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library , University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta , Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Schmiedhofer M, Möckel M, Slagman A, Frick J, Ruhla S, Searle J. Patient motives behind low-acuity visits to the emergency department in Germany: a qualitative study comparing urban and rural sites. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e013323. [PMID: 27852722 PMCID: PMC5129074 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increasing number of low-acuity visits to emergency departments (ED) is an important issue in Germany, despite the fact that all costs of inpatient and outpatient treatment are covered by mandatory health insurance. We aimed to explore the motives of patients categorised with low-acuity conditions for visiting an ED. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study in two urban and one rural ED. We recruited a purposive sample of adults, who were assigned to the lowest two categories in the Manchester triage system. One-to-one interviews took place in the ED during patients' waiting time for treatment. Interview transcripts were analysed using the qualitative data management software MAXQDA. A qualitative content analysis approach was taken to identify motives and to compare the rural with the urban sites. RESULTS A total of 86 patients were asked to participate; of these, n=15 declined participation and n=7 were excluded because they were admitted as inpatients, leaving a final sample of 40 female and 24 male patients. We identified three pathways leading to an ED visit: (1) without primary care contact, (2) after unsuccessful attempts to see a resident specialist or general practitioner (GP) and (3) recommendation to visit the ED by an outpatient provider. The two essential motives were (1) convenience and (2) health anxiety, triggered by time constraints and focused usage of multidisciplinary medical care in a highly equipped setting. All participants from the rural region were connected to a GP, whom they saw more or less regularly, while more interviewees from the urban site did not have a permanent GP. Still, motives to visit the ED were in general the same. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the ED plays a pivotal role in ambulatory acute care which needs to be recognised for adequate resource allocation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRK S00006053.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Schmiedhofer
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Möckel
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Slagman
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Frick
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Ruhla
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Searle
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Kanzaria HK, McCabe AM, Meisel ZM, LeBlanc A, Schaffer JT, Bellolio MF, Vaughan W, Merck LH, Applegate KE, Hollander JE, Grudzen CR, Mills AM, Carpenter CR, Hess EP. Advancing Patient-centered Outcomes in Emergency Diagnostic Imaging: A Research Agenda. Acad Emerg Med 2015; 22:1435-46. [PMID: 26574729 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic imaging is integral to the evaluation of many emergency department (ED) patients. However, relatively little effort has been devoted to patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) in emergency diagnostic imaging. This article provides background on this topic and the conclusions of the 2015 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference PCOR work group regarding "Diagnostic Imaging in the Emergency Department: A Research Agenda to Optimize Utilization." The goal was to determine a prioritized research agenda to establish which outcomes related to emergency diagnostic imaging are most important to patients, caregivers, and other key stakeholders and which methods will most optimally engage patients in the decision to undergo imaging. Case vignettes are used to emphasize these concepts as they relate to a patient's decision to seek care at an ED and the care received there. The authors discuss applicable research methods and approaches such as shared decision-making that could facilitate better integration of patient-centered outcomes and patient-reported outcomes into decisions regarding emergency diagnostic imaging. Finally, based on a modified Delphi process involving members of the PCOR work group, prioritized research questions are proposed to advance the science of patient-centered outcomes in ED diagnostic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemal K. Kanzaria
- Department of Emergency Medicine; University of California San Francisco & San Francisco General Hospital; San Francisco CA
- Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Los Angeles CA
- RAND Health; Santa Monica CA
| | - Aileen M. McCabe
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA
- Emergency Care Research Unit; Division of Population Health Sciences; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin Ireland
| | - Zachary M. Meisel
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA
- Center for Emergency Care Policy & Research; Perelman School of Medicine, and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA
| | - Annie LeBlanc
- Division of Health Care Policy and Research; Department of Health Sciences Research; Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | - Jason T. Schaffer
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis IN
| | - M. Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
| | | | - Lisa H. Merck
- Department of Emergency Medicine; The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Providence RI
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging; The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; Providence RI
| | - Kimberly E. Applegate
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta GA
| | - Judd E. Hollander
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia PA
- National Academic Center for Telehealth; Philadelphia PA
| | - Corita R. Grudzen
- Department of Emergency Medicine; New York University; New York NY
- Department Population Health; New York University; New York NY
| | - Angela M. Mills
- Emergency Care Research Unit; Division of Population Health Sciences; Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland; Dublin Ireland
| | - Christopher R. Carpenter
- Division of Emergency Medicine; Washington University School of Medicine, and the Washington University Emergency Care Research Core; St. Louis MO
| | - Erik P. Hess
- Department of Emergency Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit; Division of Healthcare Policy Research; Department of Health Sciences Research; Mayo Clinic; Rochester MN
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Bernstein SL. ED care: available, competent, affordable. Acad Emerg Med 2014; 21:73-5. [PMID: 24321023 DOI: 10.1111/acem.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven L. Bernstein
- Yale University School of Medicine; Department of Emergency Medicine; New Haven CT
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