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Moura L, Karakis I, Howard D. Emergency department utilization among adults with epilepsy: A multi-state cross-sectional analysis, 2010-2019. Epilepsy Res 2024; 205:107427. [PMID: 39116513 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107427] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We described patterns and trends in ED use among adults with epilepsy in the United States. METHODS Utilizing inpatient and ED discharge data from seven states, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis to identify adult ED visits diagnosed with epilepsy or seizures from 2010 to 2019. Using ED visit counts and estimates of state-level epilepsy prevalence, we calculated ED visit rates overall and by payer, condition, and year. RESULTS Our data captured 304,935 ED visits with epilepsy as a primary or secondary diagnosis in 2019. Across the seven states, visit rates ranged between 366 and 726 per 1000 and were higher than rates for adults without epilepsy in all states but one. ED visit rates were highest among Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries (vs commercial or self-pay). Adults with epilepsy were more likely to be admitted as inpatients. Visits for nervous system disorders were 6.3-8.2 times higher among people with epilepsy, and visits for mental health conditions were 1.2-2.6 times higher. Increases in ED visit rates from 2010 to 2019 among people with epilepsy exceeded increases among adults without by 6.0-27.3 percentage points. CONCLUSION Adults with epilepsy visit the ED frequently and visit rates have been increasing over time. These results underscore the importance of identifying factors contributing to ED use and designing tailored interventions to improve ambulatory care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Moura
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ioannis Karakis
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - David Howard
- Department of Health Policy, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Glauser T, Becker DA, Long L, Detyniecki K, Penovich P, Sirven J, Peters JM, Rabinowicz AL, Carrazana E. Short-Term Impact of Seizures and Mitigation Opportunities. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:303-314. [PMID: 38940995 PMCID: PMC11258047 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01350-1] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The burden of epilepsy is complex and consists of elements directly related to acute seizures as well as those associated with living with a chronic neurologic disorder. The purpose of this systematic review was to characterize short-term burdens of seizures and to explore the potential value of acute treatments to mitigate these burdens apart from reducing the risk of status epilepticus. RECENT FINDINGS A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed to identify articles published from January 1, 2017, to June 22, 2023, that described short-term burdens and acute treatments of seizures. Primary outcomes included those related to short-term burdens of seizures and the benefits of acute treatments to reduce short-term burdens. Of the 1332 articles identified through PubMed and 17 through other sources, 27 had relevant outcomes and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Seizure emergencies negatively affected short-term quality of life and the ability to conduct normal daily living activities and were associated with physical (injury) and financial (emergency transport, hospitalization) burdens. The use of acute treatment was associated with a rapid return (≤ 1 h) to normal function/self for both patients and caregivers and potentially lower healthcare utilization and costs. Seizure action plans may improve knowledge and comfort with seizure care, empowering patients and caregivers. The short-term burden of seizures can create a substantial negative impact on patients and caregivers. Acute treatments may reduce the short-term burdens of seizures in addition to their well-described role to reduce seizure activity and the risk for status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Glauser
- Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Danielle A Becker
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lucretia Long
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kamil Detyniecki
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Joseph Sirven
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Jurriaan M Peters
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrian L Rabinowicz
- Neurelis, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
- Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Enrique Carrazana
- Neurelis, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
- University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Gumayan RL, Parker W, Gunduz MT, Aylward SC, Auer N, Albert DVF, Patel AD. Increasing Provider Utilization of a Seizure Action Plan in the Outpatient Setting. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2023061268. [PMID: 38899390 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061268] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A seizure action plan (SAP) is a powerful tool that provides actionable information for caregivers during seizures. Guidelines have expressed the need for individualized SAPs. Our quality improvement team aimed to increase implementation of an SAP within a pediatric tertiary center, initially among epilepsy providers and expanded to all neurology providers. METHODS Process changes were implemented using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles and data were evaluated monthly using control charts. The team focused on tracking patients who received SAPs and identified opportunities for improvement, including reminders within the electronic medical record, and standardizing clinic processes. A secondary analysis was performed to trend emergency department (ED) use among our patient population. RESULTS The SAP utilization rate among epilepsy providers increased from a baseline of 39% to 78% by December 2019 and reached the goal of 85% by June 2020, with a further increase to 92% by February 2022 and maintained. The SAP utilization rate among general neurology providers increased from 43% in 2018 to 85% by July 2020, and further increased to 93% by February 2022 and maintained. ED visits of established patients with epilepsy decreased from a baseline of 10.2 per 1000 to 7.5 per 1000. CONCLUSIONS Quality improvement methodologies increased the utilization of a standardized SAP within neurology outpatient care centers. The SAP is a simplified tool that allows patients and providers to navigate a complex health care system. The utility of an SAP may potentially extend to minimizing unnecessary ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rae Leonor Gumayan
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - William Parker
- The Center for Clinical Excellence, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Muhammed Talha Gunduz
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Shawn C Aylward
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nancy Auer
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Dara V F Albert
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Anup D Patel
- The Center for Clinical Excellence, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital/The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Osborne G, Valenti O, Jarvis J, Wentzel E, Vidaurre J, Clarke DF, Patel AD. Implementing American Academy of Neurology Quality Measures in Antigua Using Quality Improvement Methodology. Neurol Clin Pract 2024; 14:e200231. [PMID: 38152065 PMCID: PMC10751012 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000200231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives The American Academy of Neurology has developed quality measures related to various neurologic disorders. A gap exists in the implementation of these measures in the different health care systems. To date, there has been no electronic health care record nor implementation of quality measures in Antigua. Therefore, we aimed to increase the percent of patients who have epilepsy quality measures documented using standardized common data elements in the outpatient neurology clinic at Sir Lester Bird Medical Center from 0% to 80% per week by June 1, 2022 and sustain for 6 months. Methods We used the Institute for Health care Improvement Model for Improvement methodology. A data use agreement was implemented. Data were displayed using statistical process control charts and the American Society for Quality criteria to determine statistical significance and centerline shifts. Results Current and future state process maps were developed to determine areas of opportunity for interventions. Interventions were developed following a "Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle." One intervention was the creation of a RedCap survey and database to be used by health care providers during clinical patient encounters. Because of multiple interventions, we achieved a 100% utilization of the survey for clinical care. Discussion Quality improvement (QI) methodology can be used for implementation of quality measures in various settings to improve patient care outcomes without use of significant resources. Implementation of quality measures can increase efficiency in clinical delivery. Similar QI methodology could be implemented in other resource-limited countries of the Caribbean and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaden Osborne
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
| | - Olivia Valenti
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
| | - Juniella Jarvis
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
| | - Evelynne Wentzel
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
| | - Jorge Vidaurre
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
| | - Dave F Clarke
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
| | - Anup D Patel
- Neurology Department (GO, JJ), Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, St. John's, Antigua, West Indies; The Center for Clinical Excellence (OV, ADP); Division of Neurology (EW, JV, ADP), Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; and Pediatric Neurology (DFC), Dell Medical School, the University of Texas at Austin
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Bensken WP, Vaca GFB, Williams SM, Khan OI, Jobst BC, Stange KC, Sajatovic M, Koroukian SM. Disparities in adherence and emergency department utilization among people with epilepsy: A machine learning approach. Seizure 2023; 110:169-176. [PMID: 37393863 PMCID: PMC10528555 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We used a machine learning approach to identify the combinations of factors that contribute to lower adherence and high emergency department (ED) utilization. METHODS Using Medicaid claims, we identified adherence to anti-seizure medications and the number of ED visits for people with epilepsy in a 2-year follow up period. We used three years of baseline data to identify demographics, disease severity and management, comorbidities, and county-level social factors. Using Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and random forest analyses we identified combinations of baseline factors that predicted lower adherence and ED visits. We further stratified these models by race and ethnicity. RESULTS From 52,175 people with epilepsy, the CART model identified developmental disabilities, age, race and ethnicity, and utilization as top predictors of adherence. When stratified by race and ethnicity, there was variation in the combinations of comorbidities including developmental disabilities, hypertension, and psychiatric comorbidities. Our CART model for ED utilization included a primary split among those with previous injuries, followed by anxiety and mood disorders, headache, back problems, and urinary tract infections. When stratified by race and ethnicity we saw that for Black individuals headache was a top predictor of future ED utilization although this did not appear in other racial and ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS ASM adherence differed by race and ethnicity, with different combinations of comorbidities predicting lower adherence across racial and ethnic groups. While there were not differences in ED use across races and ethnicity, we observed different combinations of comorbidities that predicted high ED utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wyatt P Bensken
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Guadalupe Fernandez-Baca Vaca
- Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Scott M Williams
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Omar I Khan
- Epilepsy Center of Excellence, Baltimore VA Medical Center, US Department of Veterans Affairs, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Barbara C Jobst
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, NH, Lebanon, USA
| | - Kurt C Stange
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for Community Health Integration, Departments of Family Medicine & Community Health, and Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Martha Sajatovic
- Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Siran M Koroukian
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Kregel M, Coulson S, Nabavi Nouri M, Sorzano R, Andrade A. Families' Knowledge Change in Paediatric Drug Resistant Epilepsy: A Novel Clinic Model. Seizure 2023; 108:116-126. [PMID: 37146515 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a chronic condition that affects approximately 95,000 Ontarians, of whom approximately 15,000 are children under the age of 18. Drug resistant epilepsy (DRE) will affect around 30% of these children who will require more advanced care due to their medical complexities. The purpose of this study is to determine if receiving care in a paediatric Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic (CEC) is associated with positive outcomes for children living with DRE and their families by looking at three health outcomes: 1) families' knowledge of their child's diagnosis and treatment plan, 2) navigational access to both the hospital and community epilepsy services, and 3) health behaviours. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study in which families of children diagnosed with DRE would be exposed to a CEC care model for the first time and followed for 6-months after enrollment. This was analyzed by utilizing surveys from new families at baseline and 6 months post receiving care within a CEC. RESULTS Results revealed a statistical significance in change of knowledge in families' knowing the type of epilepsy their child has and what epilepsy co-morbidities are. Families' also had a significant change in utilizing hospital epilepsy resources and knowing who to contact in the community and hospital for their epilepsy related questions. CONCLUSION A CEC model improves families' knowledge about epilepsy diagnosis and treatment plan, navigational access to both the hospital and community epilepsy services, and health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kregel
- Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, Ontario N6A 5W9, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, 750 Baseline Rd E, London, Ontario N6C 2R5, Canada.
| | - Sherry Coulson
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Maryam Nabavi Nouri
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Rochelle Sorzano
- Lawson Health Research Institute, 750 Baseline Rd E, London, Ontario N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Andrea Andrade
- Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, 1151 Richmond St, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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Patel AD, Becker DA. Introduction to use of an acute seizure action plan for seizure clusters and guidance for implementation. Epilepsia 2022; 63 Suppl 1:S25-S33. [PMID: 35999175 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is important for patients with epilepsy and their caregivers, including care partners, to understand the patient's seizure clusters and what to do when they occur. In many instances, seizure clusters are unique to each patient. The knowledge gained from understanding a patient's seizure cluster or seizure pattern provides a foundation for taking prompt action to prevent worsening to prolonged seizures, status epilepticus, and potentially death. Seizure action plans (SAPs), which are similar to the disease-related treatment action plans for other conditions, can be developed by a health care provider (HCP) in conjunction with the patient with epilepsy and/or caregivers, and SAPs are specifically customized for the individual patient and his or her seizure management. However, the current literature lacks unified guidance on how to design SAPs that will help prepare patients and caregivers for rapidly determining and initiating appropriate treatment of acute seizure emergencies in the community and at home. Here, we examine the current usage and value of SAPs for pediatric and adult patients with epilepsy, and we introduce the concept of the acute SAP (ASAP) for use specifically during seizure emergencies, such as seizure clusters. This type of standardized, simplified, and customized plan can rapidly and concisely provide patients and caregivers with a practical protocol to treat a seizure cluster consistently, appropriately, and in a timely manner. Details on potential content and formats of ASAPs are provided. Following this is a discussion of barriers to ASAP use that may affect HCPs or patients and caregivers, including lack of standardization, relevance, and personalization and pitfalls associated with technology. This leads into a discussion of guidance for developing, implementing, and updating ASAPs that suggests ways to address the barriers and ensure that the ASAP is best suited to the patient's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup D Patel
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Danielle A Becker
- Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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