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Janke AT, Oskvarek JJ, Zocchi MS, Cai AG, Litvak O, Pines JM, Venkatesh AK. Reliability of a Measure of Admission Intensity for Emergency Physicians. Ann Emerg Med 2024:S0196-0644(24)00082-9. [PMID: 38430082 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE We assess the stability of a measure of emergency department (ED) admission intensity for value-based care programs designed to reduce variation in ED admission rates. Measure stability is important to accurately assess admission rates across sites and among physicians. METHODS We sampled data from 358 EDs in 41 states (January 2018 to December 2021), separate from sites where the measure was derived. The measure is the ED admission rate per 100 ED visits for 16 clinical conditions and 535 included International Classification of Disease 10 diagnosis codes. We used descriptive plots and multilevel linear probability models to assess stability over time across EDs and among physicians. RESULTS Across included 3,571 ED-quarters, the average admission rate was 27.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.0% to 28.2%). The between-facility standard deviation was 9.7% (95% CI 9.0% to 10.6%), and the within-facility standard deviation was 3.0% (95% CI 2.95% to 3.10%), with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91. At the physician-quarter level, the average admission rate was 28.3% (95% CI 28.0% to 28.5%) among 7,002 physicians. Relative to their site's mean in each quarter, the between-physician standard deviation was 6.7% (95% CI 6.6% to 6.8%), and the within-physician standard deviation was 5.5% (95% CI 5.5% to 5.6%), with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.59. Moreover, 2.9% of physicians were high-admitting in 80%+ of their practice quarters relative to their peers in the same ED and in the same quarter, whereas 3.9% were low-admitting. CONCLUSION The measure exhibits stability in characterizing ED-level admission rates and reliably identifies high- and low-admitting physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander T Janke
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, & Policy/Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
| | - Jonathan J Oskvarek
- US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH; Department of Emergency Medicine, Summa Health System, Akron, OH
| | - Mark S Zocchi
- US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH; Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Braindeis University, Waltham, MA
| | - Angela G Cai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Arjun K Venkatesh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
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Martone AM, Parrini I, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Cacciatore S, Massaro C, Giordano R, Giani T, Landi G, Gulizia MM, Colivicchi F, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Zuccalà G. Recent Advances and Future Directions in Syncope Management: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:727. [PMID: 38337421 PMCID: PMC10856004 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a highly prevalent clinical condition characterized by a rapid, complete, and brief loss of consciousness, followed by full recovery caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. This symptom carries significance, as its potential underlying causes may involve the heart, blood pressure, or brain, leading to a spectrum of consequences, from sudden death to compromised quality of life. Various factors contribute to syncope, and adhering to a precise diagnostic pathway can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. A standardized initial assessment, risk stratification, and appropriate test identification facilitate determining the underlying cause in the majority of cases. New technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart devices, may have the potential to reshape syncope management into a proactive, personalized, and data-centric model, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This review addresses key aspects of syncope management, including pathogenesis, current diagnostic testing options, treatments, and considerations in the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Martone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Iris Parrini
- Department of Cardiology, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Filippo Turati, 62, 10128 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Stefano Cacciatore
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Claudia Massaro
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Rossella Giordano
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Tommaso Giani
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Giovanni Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | | | - Furio Colivicchi
- Division of Cardiology, San Filippo Neri Hospital-ASL Roma 1, Via Giovanni Martinotti, 20, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Medicine and Surgery, Division of Cardiology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87, 00152 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- “A. De Gasperis” Cardiovascular Department, Division of Cardiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell’Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Zuccalà
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
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Mu H, Liu J, Huang C, Tang H, Li S, Dong C, Yang T, Liu L, Xu B. Application of five risk stratification tools for syncope in older adults. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605231220894. [PMID: 38190847 PMCID: PMC10775749 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231220894] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment of syncope in older adults places a burden on healthcare systems. We used five risk stratification tools to predict short-term adverse outcomes in older patients with syncope. METHODS This was a retrospective analysis of patients with syncope (age ≥60 years) in the emergency department of an urban academic hospital. The data were evaluated using the Risk Stratification of Syncope in the Emergency Department (ROSE), San Francisco Syncope Rule (SFSR), FAINT, Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS), and Boston Syncope Criteria (BSC) tools. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value (NPV), and positive and negative likelihood ratios of each tool were calculated and compared for adverse events within 1 month. RESULTS In total, 221 patients (average age 75.6 years) were analyzed. Fifty-nine patients (26.7%) had experienced an adverse event within 1 month. For the ROSE, SFSR, FAINT, CSRS and BSC tools, sensitivities were 81.3%, 76.3%, 93.2%, 71.2%, and 94.9%, specificities were 88.3%, 87.7%, 56.8%, 71.6%, and 67.3%, and NPVs were 92.9%, 91.0%, 95.8%, 87.2%, and 97.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION The five assessed tools could be useful for physicians in screening older patients with syncope for the risk of short-term adverse events, according to the patient's actual situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Mu
- Department of Emergency, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiexin Liu
- Department of Neurocardiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Pingmo Health Center, Daozhen County, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hefei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sisi Li
- The Fifth Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Dong
- The Fifth Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tiecheng Yang
- Department of Emergency, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Emergency, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Burke LG, Burke RC, Duggan CE, Figueroa JF, John Orav E, Marcantonio ER. Trends in healthy days at home for Medicare beneficiaries using the emergency department. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3122-3133. [PMID: 37300394 PMCID: PMC10592590 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18464] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD), have high rates of emergency department (ED) visits and are at risk for poor outcomes. How best to measure quality of care for this population has been debated. Healthy Days at Home (HDAH) is a broad outcome measure reflecting mortality and time spent in facility-based healthcare settings versus home. We examined trends in 30-day HDAH for Medicare beneficiaries after visiting the ED and compared trends by AD/ADRD status. METHODS We identified all ED visits among a national 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries ages 68 and older from 2012 to 2018. For each visit, we calculated 30-day HDAH by subtracting mortality days and days spent in facility-based healthcare settings within 30 days of an ED visit. We calculated adjusted rates of HDAH using linear regression, accounting for hospital random effects, visit diagnosis, and patient characteristics. We compared rates of HDAH among beneficiaries with and without AD/ADRD, including accounting for nursing home (NH) residency status. RESULTS We found fewer adjusted 30-day HDAH after ED visits among patients with AD/ADRD compared to those without AD/ADRD (21.6 vs. 23.0). This difference was driven by a greater number of mortality days, SNF days, and, to a lesser degree, hospital observation days, ED visits, and long-term hospital days. From 2012 to 2018, individuals living with AD/ADRD had fewer HDAH each year but a greater mean annual increase over time (p < 0.001 for the interaction between year and AD/ADRD status). Being a NH resident was associated with fewer adjusted 30-day HDAH for beneficiaries with and without AD/ADRD. CONCLUSIONS Beneficiaries with AD/ADRD had fewer HDAH following an ED visit but saw moderately greater increases in HDAH over time compared to those without AD/ADRD. This trend was visit driven by declining mortality and utilization of inpatient and post-acute care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G. Burke
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryan C. Burke
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ciara E. Duggan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose F. Figueroa
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - E. John Orav
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward R. Marcantonio
- Divisions of General Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Baugh CW, Freund Y, Steg PG, Body R, Maron DJ, Yiadom MYAB. Strategies to mitigate emergency department crowding and its impact on cardiovascular patients. EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL. ACUTE CARDIOVASCULAR CARE 2023; 12:633-643. [PMID: 37163667 DOI: 10.1093/ehjacc/zuad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Emergency department (ED) crowding is a worsening global problem caused by hospital capacity and other health system challenges. While patients across a broad spectrum of illnesses may be affected by crowding in the ED, patients with cardiovascular emergencies-such as acute coronary syndrome, malignant arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, acute aortic syndrome, and cardiac tamponade-are particularly vulnerable. Because of crowding, patients with dangerous and time-sensitive conditions may either avoid the ED due to anticipation of extended waits, leave before their treatment is completed, or experience delays in receiving care. In this educational paper, we present the underlying causes of crowding and its impact on common cardiovascular emergencies using the input-throughput-output process framework for patient flow. In addition, we review current solutions and potential innovations to mitigate the negative effect of ED crowding on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Baugh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Neville House 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yonathan Freund
- Emergency Department Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Gabriel Steg
- Department of Cardiology, Université Paris-Cité, Institut Universitaire de France, FACT, French Alliance for Cardiovascular Trials, INSERM-1148, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Richard Body
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Emergency Department, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David J Maron
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Liang Y, Li X, Tse G, King E, Roever L, Li G, Liu T. Syncope Prediction Scores in the Emergency Department. Curr Cardiol Rev 2022; 18:1-7. [PMID: 35319380 PMCID: PMC9896417 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x18666220321104129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a common clinical presentation defined as a transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) due to cerebral hypoperfusion, characterized by a rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. Different clinical decision rules (CDRs) and risk stratification scores have been developed to predict short- and long-term risks for adverse outcomes after syncope. The central theme of these prediction systems is consistent with the ESC syncope guidelines. Initial assessment according to the ESC guideline is essential until an optimal and well-validated risk score is available. The focus should be accurate risk stratification to allow prevention of adverse outcomes and optimize the use of limited healthcare resources. In this review article, we summarize and critically appraise the evidence regarding the CDRs for patients presenting with syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiulian Li
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gary Tse
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, People’s Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emma King
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, People’s Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Guangping Li
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Pingjiang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300211, People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Syncope is a common medical presentation that can cost the US healthcare system up to $2.4 billion dollars annually. Much of this cost can be mitigated with proper evaluation and management in the urgent care setting, as well as appropriate use of a risk stratification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Geer
- Brandon Geer is an urgent care NP at United Memorial Medical Center Urgent Care, Batavia, N.Y
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Kaul P, Tran DT, Sandhu RK, Solbiati M, Costantino G, Sheldon RS. Lack of benefit from hospitalization in patients with syncope: A propensity analysis. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:716-722. [PMID: 33145511 PMCID: PMC7593467 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Patients with syncope are frequently admitted to the hospital, but whether this improves outcome is unknown. We tested whether hospitalization reduced mortality in patients who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with syncope. METHODS We conducted a propensity analysis of the outcomes of patients ≥18 years old presenting to EDs with a primary diagnosis of syncope in April 2004-March 2013. The model used 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching to predicted admission using age, sex, urban residence, household income, and 14 significant comorbidities from 4 administrative databases of the province of Alberta. The primary outcome was death. RESULTS There were 57,417 ED patients with a primary diagnosis of syncope; 8864 were admitted, and 48,553 were discharged in <24 hours. Admitted patients were older (median 76 vs 49 years), male (53% vs 45%), rural (23% vs 18%), and had lower income (median $58,599 vs $61,422); all P < 0.001. All comorbidities were higher in admitted patients (mean Charlson scores, 1.9 vs 0.7; P < 0.001). The propensity-matched hospitalized patients had higher 30-day mortality (3.5% vs 1.0%) and 1-year mortality (14.1% vs 8.6%); both P < 0.001. Mortality in all propensity quintiles was higher in the hospitalized group (all P < 0.001). The most common causes of death in 2719 patients included chronic ischemic heart disease, 14%; lung cancer, 7.1%; acute myocardial infarction, 6.9%; stroke, 3.7%; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 3.6%; dementia, 2.6%; and heart failure, 2.5%. CONCLUSIONS Hospital admission did not reduce early or late mortality in patients who presented to the ED with syncope. Mortality is associated with comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padma Kaul
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
| | - Dat T. Tran
- Department of MedicineUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonCanada
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van Wijnen VK, Gans ROB, Wieling W, Ter Maaten JC, Harms MPM. Diagnostic accuracy of evaluation of suspected syncope in the emergency department: usual practice vs. ESC guidelines. BMC Emerg Med 2020; 20:59. [PMID: 32746777 PMCID: PMC7397639 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-020-00344-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syncope is a frequent reason for referral to the emergency department. After excluding a potentially life-threatening condition, the second objective is to find the cause of syncope. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the treating physician in usual practice and to compare this to the diagnostic accuracy of a standardised evaluation, consisting of thorough history taking and physical examination by a research physician. Methods This prospective cohort study included suspected (pre) syncope patients without an identified serious underlying condition who were assessed in the emergency department. Patients were initially seen by the initial treating physician and the usual evaluation was performed. A research physician, blinded to the findings of the initial treating physician, then performed a standardised evaluation according to the ESC syncope guidelines. Diagnostic accuracy (proportion of correct diagnoses) was determined by expert consensus after long-term follow-up. Results One hundred and one suspected (pre) syncope patients were included (mean age 59 ± 20 years). The usual practice of the initial treating physicians did not in most cases follow ESC syncope guidelines, with orthostatic blood pressure measurements made in only 40% of the patients. Diagnostic accuracy by the initial treating physicians was 65% (95% CI 56–74%), while standardised evaluation resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 80% (95% CI 71–87%; p = 0.009). No life-threatening causes were missed. Conclusions Usual practice of the initial treating physician resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 65%, while standardised practice, with an emphasis on thorough history taking, increased diagnostic accuracy to 80%. Results suggest that the availability of additional resources does not result in a higher diagnostic accuracy than standardised evaluation, and that history taking is the most important diagnostic test in suspected syncope patients. Netherlands Trial Registration: NTR5651. Registered 29 January 2016,https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5532
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Affiliation(s)
- Veera K van Wijnen
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Reinold O B Gans
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter Wieling
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan C Ter Maaten
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark P M Harms
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, PO BOX 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Saad Shaukat MH, Shabbir MA, Banerjee R, Desemone J, Lyubarova R. Is our initial evaluation of patients admitted for syncope guideline-directed and cost-effective? EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL-CASE REPORTS 2020; 4:1-4. [PMID: 32352069 PMCID: PMC7180576 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Recent American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology guidelines for syncope evaluation help distinguish high-cardiac risk patients from those with low-risk orthostatic and neurogenic syncope. Inpatient evaluation is recommended if at least one high-risk feature is present. Objective To assess guideline adherence and its impact on hospitalization in patients who presented with syncope before and after the introduction of guideline-based syncope protocol in the emergency department (ED). Methods All adult patients admitted to general medicine from the ED with the primary diagnosis of syncope in the months of October 2016 and October 2018 (before and after the introduction of syncope protocol in 2017). Electronic charts were retrospectively reviewed for high-risk cardiac features and orthostatic blood pressure measurement. Results Sixty patients were admitted for syncope in October 2016 (n = 32) and October 2018 (n = 28), out of which 33 (55%) were female and 47 (78.3%) were over age 50. Forty-five patients had at least one high-risk feature. Excluding one patient with an alternate diagnosis at discharge, 14 out of 60 patients (23.3%) admitted for syncope did not have any high-risk feature. Orthostatic blood pressure was measured in 3 patients (5%) in the ED and 27 patients (45%) later in the hospitalization. Six out of eight patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillator or pacemaker had their devices interrogated. After the introduction of syncope protocol, there was an improvement in the proportion of high-risk patients admitted [68.7% (22/32) in October 2016 vs. 82.1% (23/28) in October 2018]. Conclusion Utilizing syncope protocol in the ED may improve guideline adherence, direct appropriate disposition, and reduce healthcare expenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hamza Saad Shaukat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical College, Graduate Medical Education, Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Muhammad Asim Shabbir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical College, Graduate Medical Education, Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Riju Banerjee
- Division of Cardiology, Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany NY 12208, USA
| | - James Desemone
- Division of Endocrinology, Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany NY 12208, USA
| | - Radmila Lyubarova
- Division of Cardiology, Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Avenue, Albany NY 12208, USA
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