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Schell CO, Wellhagen A, Lipcsey M, Kurland L, Bjurling-Sjöberg P, Stålsby Lundborg C, Castegren M, Baker T. The burden of critical illness among adults in a Swedish region-a population-based point-prevalence study. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:322. [PMID: 37679836 PMCID: PMC10483802 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with critical illness have a high risk of mortality. Key decision-making in the health system affecting the outcomes of critically ill patients requires epidemiological evidence, but the burden of critical illness is largely unknown. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of critical illness in a Swedish region. Secondary objectives were to estimate the proportion of hospital inpatients who are critically ill and to describe the in-hospital location of critically ill patients. METHODS A prospective, multi-center, population-based, point-prevalence study on specific days in 2017-2018. All adult (> 18 years) in-patients, regardless of admitting specially, in all acute hospitals in Sörmland, and the patients from Sörmland who had been referred to university hospitals, were included. Patients in the operating theatres, with a psychiatric cause of admission, women in active labor and moribund patients, were excluded. All participants were examined by trained data collectors. Critical illness was defined as "a state of ill health with vital organ dysfunction, a high risk of imminent death if care is not provided and a potential for reversibility". The presence of one or more severely deranged vital signs was used to classify critical illness. The prevalence of critical illness was calculated as the number of critically ill patients divided by the number of adults in the region. RESULTS A total of 1269 patients were included in the study. Median age was 74 years and 50% of patients were female. Critical illness was present in 133 patients, resulting in an adult population prevalence of critical illness per 100,000 people of 19.4 (95% CI 16.4-23.0). The proportion of patients in hospital who were critically ill was 10.5% (95% CI 8.8-12.3%). Among the critically ill, 125 [95% CI 94.0% (88.4-97.0%)] were cared for in general wards. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of critical illness was higher than previous, indirect estimates. One in ten hospitalized patients were critically ill, the large majority of which were cared for in general wards. This suggests a hidden burden of critical illness of potential public health, health system and hospital management significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Otto Schell
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden.
- Department of Medicine, Nyköping Hospital, Sörmland Region, Nyköping, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Wellhagen
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Nyköping Hospital, Sörmland Region, Nyköping, Sweden
| | - Miklós Lipcsey
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Hedenstierna Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa Kurland
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Örebro University, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Petronella Bjurling-Sjöberg
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Patient Safety, Region Sörmland, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | | | - Markus Castegren
- Centre for Clinical Research Sörmland, Uppsala University, Eskilstuna, Sweden
- Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care (PMI), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (FyFa), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Baker
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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O'Neill SM, Clyne B, Bell M, Casey A, Leen B, Smith SM, Ryan M, O'Neill M. Why do healthcare professionals fail to escalate as per the early warning system (EWS) protocol? A qualitative evidence synthesis of the barriers and facilitators of escalation. BMC Emerg Med 2021; 21:15. [PMID: 33509099 PMCID: PMC7842002 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-021-00403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early warning systems (EWSs) are used to assist clinical judgment in the detection of acute deterioration to avoid or reduce adverse events including unanticipated cardiopulmonary arrest, admission to the intensive care unit and death. Sometimes healthcare professionals (HCPs) do not trigger the alarm and escalate for help according to the EWS protocol and it is unclear why this is the case. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis was to answer the question ‘why do HCPs fail to escalate care according to EWS protocols?’ The findings will inform the update of the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) National Clinical Guideline No. 1 Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS). Methods A systematic search of the published and grey literature was conducted (until February 2018). Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by two reviewers independently using standardised data extraction forms and quality appraisal tools. A thematic synthesis was conducted by two reviewers of the qualitative studies included and categorised into the barriers and facilitators of escalation. GRADE CERQual was used to assess the certainty of the evidence. Results Eighteen studies incorporating a variety of HCPs across seven countries were included. The barriers and facilitators to the escalation of care according to EWS protocols were developed into five overarching themes: Governance, Rapid Response Team (RRT) Response, Professional Boundaries, Clinical Experience, and EWS parameters. Barriers to escalation included: Lack of Standardisation, Resources, Lack of accountability, RRT behaviours, Fear, Hierarchy, Increased Conflict, Over confidence, Lack of confidence, and Patient variability. Facilitators included: Accountability, Standardisation, Resources, RRT behaviours, Expertise, Additional support, License to escalate, Bridge across boundaries, Clinical confidence, empowerment, Clinical judgment, and a tool for detecting deterioration. These are all individual yet inter-related barriers and facilitators to escalation. Conclusions The findings of this qualitative evidence synthesis provide insight into the real world experience of HCPs when using EWSs. This in turn has the potential to inform policy-makers and HCPs as well as hospital management about emergency response system-related issues in practice and the changes needed to address barriers and facilitators and improve patient safety and quality of care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00403-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M O'Neill
- The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), City Gate, Mahon, Cork, T12 Y2XT, Ireland.
| | - B Clyne
- The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), City Gate, Mahon, Cork, T12 Y2XT, Ireland.,HRB Centre for Primary Care Research and Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Bell
- The Deteriorating Patient Recognition and Response Improvement Programme (DPIP), Clinical Design and Innovation, Health Service Executive, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Steevens' Lane, D08W2A8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A Casey
- The Deteriorating Patient Recognition and Response Improvement Programme (DPIP), Clinical Design and Innovation, Health Service Executive, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Steevens' Lane, D08W2A8, Dublin, Ireland
| | - B Leen
- Regional Librarian, Health Service Executive South, Kilkenny, Ireland
| | - S M Smith
- HRB Centre for Primary Care Research and Department of General Practice, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M Ryan
- The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), City Gate, Mahon, Cork, T12 Y2XT, Ireland
| | - M O'Neill
- The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), City Gate, Mahon, Cork, T12 Y2XT, Ireland
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Hogan H, Hutchings A, Wulff J, Carver C, Holdsworth E, Welch J, Harrison D, Black N. Interventions to reduce mortality from in-hospital cardiac arrest: a mixed-methods study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr07020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundUnchecked patient deterioration can lead to in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and avoidable death. The National Cardiac Arrest Audit (NCAA) has found fourfold variation in IHCA rates and survival between English hospitals. Key to reducing IHCA is both the identification of patients at risk of deterioration and prompt response. A range of targeted interventions have been introduced but implementation varies between hospitals. These differences are likely to contribute to the observed variation between and within hospitals over time.ObjectiveTo determine how interventions aimed at identification and management of deteriorating patients are associated with IHCA rates and outcomes.DesignA mixed-methods study involving a systematic literature review, semistructured interviews with 60 NHS staff, an organisational survey in 171 hospitals and interrupted time series and difference-in-difference analyses (106 hospitals).SettingEnglish hospitals participating in the NCAA audit.ParticipantsNHS staff (approximately 300) and patients (13 million).InterventionsEducation, track-and-trigger systems (TTSs), standardised handover tools and outreach teams.Main outcome measuresIHCA rates, survival and hospital-wide mortality.Data sourcesNCAA, Hospital Episode Statistics, Office for National Statistics Mortality Statistics.MethodsA literature review and qualitative interviews were used to design an organisational survey that determined how interventions have been implemented in practice and across time. Associations between variations in services and IHCA rates and survival were determined using cross-sectional, interrupted time series and difference-in-difference analyses over the index study period (2009/10 to 2014/15).ResultsAcross NCAA hospitals, IHCAs fell by 6.4% per year and survival increased by 5% per year, with hospital mortality decreasing by a similar amount. A national, standard TTS [the National Early Warning Score (NEWS)], introduced in 2012, was adopted by 70% of hospitals by 2015. By 2015, one-third of hospitals had converted from paper-based TTSs to electronic TTSs, and there had been an increase in the number of hospitals with an outreach team and an increase in the number with a team available at all times. The extent of variation in the uses of educational courses and structured handover tools was limited, with 90% of hospitals reporting use of standardised communication tools, such as situation, background, assessment and recommendation, in 2015. Introduction of the NEWS was associated with an additional 8.4% decrease in IHCA rates and, separately, a conversion from paper to electronic TTS use was associated with an additional 7.6% decrease. However, there was no associated change in IHCA survival or hospital mortality. Outreach teams were not associated with a change in IHCA rates, survival or hospital mortality. A sensitivity analysis restricted to ward-based IHCAs did not alter the findings but did identify an association between increased outreach team intensity in 2015 and IHCA survival.LimitationsThe organisational survey was not able to explore all aspects of the interventions and the contextual factors that influenced them. Changes over time were dependent on respondents’ recall.ConclusionsStandardisation of TTSs and introduction of electronic TTSs are associated with a reduction in IHCAs. The apparent lack of impact of outreach teams may reflect their mode of introduction, that their effect is through providing support for implementation of TTS or that the organisation of the response to deterioration is not critical, as long as it is timely. Their role in end-of-life decision-making may account for the observed association with IHCA survival.Future workTo assess the potential impact of outreach teams at hospital level and patient level, and to establish which component of the TTS has the greatest effect on outcomes.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Hogan
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Andrew Hutchings
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jerome Wulff
- Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Catherine Carver
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Holdsworth
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - John Welch
- Critical Care Outreach, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Harrison
- Intensive Care National Audit & Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Nick Black
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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