1
|
Farcas AM, Joiner AP, Rudman JS, Ramesh K, Torres G, Crowe RP, Curtis T, Tripp R, Bowers K, von Isenburg M, Logan R, Coaxum L, Salazar G, Lozano M, Page D, Haamid A. Disparities in Emergency Medical Services Care Delivery in the United States: A Scoping Review. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2022; 27:1058-1071. [PMID: 36369725 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2022.2142344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency medical services (EMS) often serve as the first medical contact for ill or injured patients, representing a critical access point to the health care delivery continuum. While a growing body of literature suggests inequities in care within hospitals and emergency departments, limited research has comprehensively explored disparities related to patient demographic characteristics in prehospital care. OBJECTIVE We aimed to summarize the existing literature on disparities in prehospital care delivery for patients identifying as members of an underrepresented race, ethnicity, sex, gender, or sexual orientation group. METHODS We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed (gray) literature. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Proquest Dissertations, Scopus, Google, and professional websites for studies set in the U.S. between 1960 and 2021. Each abstract and full-text article was screened by two reviewers. Studies written in English that addressed the underrepresented groups of interest and investigated EMS-related encounters were included. Studies were excluded if a disparity was noted incidentally but was not a stated objective or discussed. Data extraction was conducted using a standardized electronic form. Results were summarized qualitatively using an inductive approach. RESULTS One hundred forty-five full-text articles from the peer-reviewed literature and two articles from the gray literature met inclusion criteria: 25 studies investigated sex/gender, 61 studies investigated race/ethnicity, and 58 studies investigated both. One study investigated sexual orientation. The most common health conditions evaluated were out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (n = 50), acute coronary syndrome (n = 36), and stroke (n = 31). The phases of EMS care investigated included access (n = 55), pre-arrival care (n = 46), diagnosis/treatment (n = 42), and response/transport (n = 40), with several studies covering multiple phases. Disparities were identified related to all phases of EMS care for underrepresented groups, including symptom recognition, pain management, and stroke identification. The gray literature identified public perceptions of EMS clinicians' cultural competency and the ability to appropriately care for transgender patients in the prehospital setting. CONCLUSIONS Existing research highlights health disparities in EMS care delivery throughout multiple health outcomes and phases of EMS care. Future research is needed to identify structured mechanisms to eliminate disparities, address clinician bias, and provide high-quality equitable care for all patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andra M Farcas
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anjni P Joiner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jordan S Rudman
- Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karthik Ramesh
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | - Rickquel Tripp
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Karen Bowers
- Atlanta Fire Rescue Department; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
| | - Megan von Isenburg
- Duke University Medical Center Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Robert Logan
- San Diego Fire - Rescue Department, San Diego, California
| | - Lauren Coaxum
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Michael Lozano
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - David Page
- Department of Emergency Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ameera Haamid
- Section of Emergency Medicine, University of Chicago School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Palladino N, Shah A, McGovern J, Burns K, Coughlin R, Joseph D, Cone DC. STEMI Equivalents and Their Incidence during EMS Transport. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2021:1-7. [PMID: 33320732 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2020.1863533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is time-critical, with a focus on early reperfusion to decrease morbidity and mortality. It is imperative that prehospital clinicians recognize STEMI early and initiate transport to hospitals capable of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a door-to-balloon time of ≤90 minutes. Three patterns have been identified as STEMI equivalents that also likely warrant prompt attention and potentially PCI: Wellens syndrome, De Winter T waves, and aVR ST elevation. The goal of our study was to assess the incidence of these findings in prehospital patients presenting with chest pain. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review from a large urban tertiary care emergency department. We reviewed the prehospital ECG, or ECG upon arrival, of 861 patients who were hospitalized and required cardiac catheterization between 4/10/18 and 5/7/19. Patients who had field catheterization lab activation by EMS for STEMI were excluded. If a prehospital ECG was not available for review, the first ECG obtained in the hospital was used as a proxy. Each ECG was screened for aVR elevation, De Winter T waves, and Wellens syndrome. Results: Of 278 charts with prehospital ECGs available, 12 met our criteria for STEMI equivalency (4.4%): 6 Wellens syndrome and 6 aVR STEMI. There were no cases of De Winters T waves. Of 573 charts with no prehospital ECG available, 27 had initial hospital ECGs that met our STEMI equivalent criteria (4.7%): 7 Wellens syndrome and 20 aVR STEMI. Again, there were no cases of De Winters T waves. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that there are significant numbers of patients whose prehospital ECG findings do not currently meet criteria for field activation of the cardiac catheterization lab, but who may require prompt catheterization. Further studies are needed to look at outcomes, but these results could support the need for further education of prehospital clinicians regarding recognition of these STEMI equivalents, as well as quality initiatives aimed at decreasing door-to-balloon time for patients with STEMI equivalents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Palladino
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| | - Aman Shah
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| | - Jeffrey McGovern
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| | - Kevin Burns
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| | - Ryan Coughlin
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| | - Daniel Joseph
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| | - David C Cone
- Yale New Haven Medical Center Emergency Medicine Residency Program, New Haven, Connecticut (NP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper University Health Care, New Haven, Connecticut (AS); Center for Emergency Medical Services, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (JM, KB, DJ, DCC); Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (KB, RC, DJ, DCC)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Musey PI, Studnek JR, Garvey L. Characteristics of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Who Do Not Undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Prehospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Activation. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2016; 15:16-21. [PMID: 26881815 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the clinical and electrocardiographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that are associated with an increased likelihood of not undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after prehospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory activation in a regional STEMI system. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of prehospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory activations in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, between May 2008 and March 2011. Data were extracted from the prehospital patient record, the prehospital electrocardiogram, and the regional STEMI database. The independent variables of interest included objective patient characteristics as well as documented cardiac history and risk factors. Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-one prehospital activations were included in the analysis. Five independent variables were found to be associated with an increased likelihood of not undergoing PCI: increasing age, bundle branch block, elevated heart rate, left ventricular hypertrophy, and non-white race. The variables with the most significance were any type of bundle branch block [adjusted odds ratios (AOR), 5.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.91-16.76], left ventricular hypertrophy (AOR, 4.63; 95% CI, 2.03-10.53), and non-white race (AOR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.76-7.08). Conversely, the only variable associated with a higher likelihood of undergoing PCI was the presence of arm pain (AOR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.36-6.25). CONCLUSIONS Several of the above variables are expected electrocardiogram mimics; however, the decreased rate of PCI in non-white patients highlights an area for investigation and process improvement. This may guide the development of prehospital STEMI protocols, although avoiding false positive and inappropriate activations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul I Musey
- From the *Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN; †Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency, Charlotte, NC; and ‡Department of Emergency Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Comparison of outcomes of ambulance users and nonusers in ST elevation myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol 2014; 114:1289-94. [PMID: 25201215 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2014.07.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In a systematic province-wide evaluation of care and outcomes of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), we sought to examine whether a previously documented association between ambulance use and outcome remains after control for clinical risk factors. All 82 acute care hospitals in Quebec (Canada) that treated at least 30 acute myocardial infarctions annually participated in a 6-month evaluation in 2008 to 2009. Medical record librarians abstracted hospital chart data for consecutive patients with a discharge diagnosis of myocardial infarction who presented with characteristic symptoms and met a priori study criteria for STEMI. Linkage to administrative databases provided outcome data (to 1 year) and co-morbidities. Of 1,956 patients, 1,222 (62.5%) arrived by ambulance. Compared with nonusers of an ambulance, users were older, more often women, and more likely to have co-morbidities, low systolic pressure, abnormal heart rate, and a higher Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk index at presentation. Ambulance users were less likely to receive fibrinolysis or to be sent for primary angioplasty (78.5% vs 83.2% for nonusers, p = 0.01), although if they did, treatment delays were shorter (p <0.001). The 1-year mortality rate was 18.7% versus 7.1% for nonusers (p <0.001). Greater mortality persisted after adjusting for presenting risk factors, co-morbidities, reperfusion treatment, and symptom duration (hazard ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.87). In conclusion, ambulance users with STEMI were older and sicker than nonusers. Mortality of users was substantially greater after adjustment for clinical risk factors, although they received faster reperfusion treatment overall.
Collapse
|