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Ling T, Basic D, Tcharkhedian E, Campisi J, Pringle B, Khoo A. Care in the Community: A COVID-19 initiative to reduce hospital re-presentations among community-dwelling people. Australas J Ageing 2024. [PMID: 39007519 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13356] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the utilisation of hospital and emergency department (ED) services. We examined the effect of a rapid response service on hospital re-presentations among people discharged from the ED and short-stay wards at a tertiary referral hospital. METHODS This retrospective cohort study compared 112 patients who completed the Care in the Community program with 112 randomly selected controls. Both cases and controls were discharged from hospital between September 2020 and June 2021. Intervention patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, who implemented a goal-directed program of up to 4-weeks duration. Logistic regression, negative binomial regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to evaluate outcomes at 28 days and at 6 months. RESULTS The median time between referral and the first home visit was 3.9 days. In adjusted analyses, the intervention reduced hospital re-presentations at 28 days (odds ratio: .40, 95% confidence interval (CI): .17-.94) and lengthened the time to the first hospital re-presentation (hazard ratio: .59, 95% CI: .38-.92). Although the intervention did not reduce the total number of hospital re-presentations at 6 months (adjusted incidence rate ratio: .73, 95% CI: .49-1.08), it reduced total time spent in hospital by 303 days (582 vs. 885). CONCLUSIONS This study is among the first to investigate the effect of a community-based intervention on hospital re-presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides evidence that a sustainable 4-week intervention is associated with reduced hospital re-presentations and time spent in hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Ling
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Basic
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elise Tcharkhedian
- Department of Physiotherapy, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Josephine Campisi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bernadette Pringle
- Aged Care Services Emergency Team, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Khoo
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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van Loon-van Gaalen M, Voshol IE, van der Linden MC, Gussekloo J, van der Mast RC. Frequencies and reasons for unplanned emergency department return visits by older adults: a cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:309. [PMID: 37198554 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04021-x] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As unplanned Emergency Department (ED) return visits (URVs) are associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults, many EDs have initiated post-discharge interventions to reduce URVs. Unfortunately, most interventions fail to reduce URVs, including telephone follow-up after ED discharge, investigated in a recent trial. To understand why these interventions were not effective, we analyzed patient and ED visit characteristics and reasons for URVs within 30 days for patients aged ≥ 70 years. METHODS Data was used from a randomized controlled trial, investigating whether telephone follow-up after ED discharge reduced URVs compared to a satisfaction survey call. Only observational data from control group patients were used. Patient and index ED visit characteristics were compared between patients with and without URVs. Two independent researchers determined the reasons for URVs and categorized them into: patient-related, illness-related, new complaints and other reasons. Associations were examined between the number of URVs per patient and the categories of reasons for URVs. RESULTS Of the 1659 patients, 222 (13.4%) had at least one URV within 30 days. Male sex, ED visit in the 30 days before the index ED visit, triage category "urgent", longer length of ED stay, urinary tract problems, and dyspnea were associated with URVs. Of the 222 patients with an URV, 31 (14%) returned for patient-related reasons, 95 (43%) for illness-related reasons, 76 (34%) for a new complaint and 20 (9%) for other reasons. URVs of patients who returned ≥ 3 times were mostly illness-related (72%). CONCLUSION As the majority of patients had an URV for illness-related reasons or new complaints, these data fuel the discussion as to whether URVs can or should be prevented. TRIAL REGISTRATION For this cohort study, we used data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT). This trial was pre-registered in the Netherlands Trial Register with number NTR6815 on the 7th of November 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel van Loon-van Gaalen
- Emergency Department, Haaglanden Medical Center, P.O. Box 432, 2501 CK, The Hague, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Jacobijn Gussekloo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roos C van der Mast
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, CAPRI-University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Emergency Department Utilization, Hospital Admissions, and Office-Based Physician Visits Among Under-Resourced African American and Latino Older Adults. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:205-218. [PMID: 35006585 PMCID: PMC8744566 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01211-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study uses a theoretical model to explore (a) emergency department (ED) utilization, (b) hospital admissions, and (c) office-based physician visits among sample of under-resourced African American and Latino older adults. METHODS Nine hundred five African American and Latino older adults from an under-resourced urban community of South Los Angeles participated in this study. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews. Poisson and logistic regression analysis were used to estimate the parameters specified in the Andersen behavioral model. Predictors included predisposing factors, defined as demographic and other personal characteristics that influence the likelihood of obtaining care, and enabling factors defined as personal, family, and community resources that support or encourage efforts to access health services. RESULTS African American older adults have a greater frequency of hospital admissions, ED, and physician visits than their Latino counterparts. About 25%, 45%, and 59% of the variance of the hospital admissions, ED utilization, and physician visits could be explained by predisposing and enabling characteristics. Lower health-related quality of life was associated with a higher number of hospital admissions, ED, and physician visits. Financial strain and difficulty accessing medical care were associated with a higher number of hospital admissions. Being covered by Medicare and particularly Medi-Cal were positively associated with higher hospital admissions, ED, and physician visits. DISCUSSION Compared to African American older adults, Latino older adults show higher utilization of (a) emergency department (ED) utilization, (b) hospital admissions, and (c) office-based physician visits. A wide range of predisposing and enabling factors such as insurance and financial difficulties correlate with some but not other types of health care use. Multi-disciplinary, culturally sensitive, clinic- and community-based interventions are needed to address enabling and predisposing factors that influence ED utilization and hospital admission among African American and Latino older adults in under-resourced communities.
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Ling DA, Sung CW, Fang CC, Ko CH, Chou E, Herrala J, Lu TC, Huang CH, Tsai CL. High-risk Return Visits to United States Emergency Departments, 2010–2018. West J Emerg Med 2022; 23:832-840. [DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2022.7.57028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although factors related to a return visit to the emergency department (ED) have been reported, only a few studies have examined “high-risk” ED revisits with serious adverse outcomes. In this study we aimed to describe the incidence and trend of high-risk ED revisits in United States EDs and to investigate factors associated with these revisits.
Methods: We obtained data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), 2010–2018. Adult ED revisits within 72 hours of a previous discharge were identified using a mark on the patient record form. We defined high-risk revisits as revisits with serious adverse outcomes, including intensive care unit admissions, emergency surgery, cardiac catheterization, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during the return visit. We performed analyses using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression, accounting for NHAMCS’s complex survey design.
Results: Over the nine-year study period, there were an estimated 37,700,000 revisits, and the proportion of revisits in the entire ED population decreased slightly from 5.1% in 2010 to 4.5% in 2018 (P for trend = 0.02). By contrast, there were an estimated 827,000 high-risk ED revisits, and the proportion of high-risk revisits in the entire ED population remained stable at approximately 0.1%. The mean age of these high-risk revisit patients was 57 years, and 43% were men. Approximately 6% of the patients were intubated, and 13% received CPR. Most of them were hospitalized, and 2% died in the ED. Multivariable analysis showed that older age (65+ years), Hispanic ethnicity, daytime visits, and arrival by ambulance during the revisit were independent predictors of high-risk revisits.
Conclusion: High-risk revisits accounted for a relatively small fraction (0.1%) of ED visits. Over the period of the NHAMCS survey between 2010-2018, this fraction remained stable. We identified factors during the return visit that could be used to label high-risk revisits for timely intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean-An Ling
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Sung
- College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Fang
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsin Ko
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eric Chou
- Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Jeffrey Herrala
- Highland Hospital-Alameda Health System, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oakland, California
| | - Tsung-Chien Lu
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hua Huang
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Lin Tsai
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Cox D, Subramony R, Supat B, Brennan J, Hsia R, Castillo E. Geriatric Falls: Patient Characteristics Associated with Emergency Department Revisits. West J Emerg Med 2022; 23:734-738. [PMID: 36205659 PMCID: PMC9541984 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2022.6.55666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Falls are the leading cause of traumatic injury among elderly adults in the United States, which represents a significant source of morbidity and leads to exorbitant healthcare costs. The purpose of this study was to characterize elderly fall patients and identify risk factors associated with seven-day emergency department (ED) revisits. Methods This was a multicenter, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study using non-public data from 321 licensed, nonfederal, general, and acute care hospitals in California obtained from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information from January 1–December 31, 2017. Included were patients 65 and older who had a fall-related ED visit identified by International Classification of Diseases codes W00x to W19x. Primary outcome was a return visit to the ED within a seven-day window following the index encounter. Demographics collected included age, gender, ethnicity/race, patient payer status, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), psychiatric diagnoses, and alcohol/substance use disorder diagnoses. We performed multivariate logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with seven-day ED revisit. Results We identified a total of 2,758,295 ED visits during the study period with 347,233 (12.6%) visits corresponding to fall-related injuries. After applying exclusion criteria, 242,572 index ED visits were identified, representing 206,612 patients. Of these, 24,114 (11.7%) patients returned to an ED within seven days (revisit). Within this revisit population, 6,161 (22.6%) presented to a facility that was distinct from their index visit, and 4,970 (18.2%) were ultimately discharged with the same primary diagnosis as their index visit. Characteristics with the largest independent associations with a seven-day ED revisit were presence of a psychiatric diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69 to 1.80), presence of an alcohol or substance use disorder (OR 1.70; 95% CI 1.64 to 1.78), and CCI ≥ 3 (OR 2.79; 95% CI 2.68 to 2.90). Conclusion In this study we identified 24,114 elderly fall patients who experienced a seven-day ED revisit. Patients with multiple comorbidities, a substance use disorder, or a psychiatric diagnosis exhibited increased odds of experiencing a return visit to the ED within seven days of a fall-related index visit. These findings will help target at-risk elderly fall patients who may benefit from preventative multidisciplinary intervention during index ED visits to reduce ED revisits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin Cox
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Rachna Subramony
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Ben Supat
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Jesse Brennan
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Diego, California
| | - Renee Hsia
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Francisco, California; University of California, San Francisco, Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, San Francisco, California
| | - Edward Castillo
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Emergency Medicine, San Diego, California
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Jehloh L, Songwathana P, Sae-Sia W. Transitional care interventions to reduce emergency department visits in older adults: A systematic review. BELITUNG NURSING JOURNAL 2022; 8:187-196. [PMID: 37547112 PMCID: PMC10401376 DOI: 10.33546/bnj.2100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preventable illnesses cause many emergency department visits in older adults, which can be minimized by implementing appropriate transitional care interventions. However, the most effective transitional care strategies for older adults are unknown. Objective To discover and consolidate transitional care interventions that can help older people avoid going to the emergency department. Methods From January 2011 to August 2021, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest, and The JAMA Network were used to search. Two authors independently screened and selected papers, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data into a standardized form in accordance with Cochrane guidelines. For the risk of bias in studies, the RevMan 5.4.1 program was utilized. Results Six randomized controlled trials, four non-randomized controlled trials, and three retrospective investigations were among the 13 studies examined. All studies evaluated emergency department visits but in different periods (ranging from 1-12 months after discharge) and with varying groups of baselines (pre-post intervention and between groups). The multi-component strategies, either pre or postdischarge phase using high-intensity care delivered within six months of discharge, were implemented in transitional care that had been shown to reduce emergency department visits in older adults. Conclusion To prevent emergency department visits by older patients, nurses should arrange for a high-intensity transitional care intervention that involves both pre-and postdischarge interventions. The effectiveness of the intervention in reducing emergency department visits in older adults is difficult to determine due to inter-study heterogeneity and poor methodological quality. There is a need for more evidence-based research with consistent and trustworthy effect assessments. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021261326.
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Affiliation(s)
- Latifah Jehloh
- Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
| | | | - Wipa Sae-Sia
- Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
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Dickson VV, Blustein J, Weinstein B, Goldfeld K, Radcliffe K, Burlingame M, Grudzen CR, Sherman SE, Smilowitz J, Chodosh J. Providing Hearing Assistance to Veterans in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study. J Emerg Nurs 2022; 48:266-277. [PMID: 35172928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jen.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Effective communication is essential to good health care, and hearing loss disrupts patient-provider communication. For the more than 2 million veterans with severe hearing loss, communication is particularly challenging in noisy health care environments such as emergency departments. The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe patient and provider perspectives of feasibility and potential benefit of providing a hearing assistance device, a personal amplifier, during visits to an emergency department in an urban setting affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. METHODS This qualitative descriptive study was conducted in parallel with a randomized controlled study. We completed a semistructured interview with 11 veterans and 10 health care providers to elicit their previous experiences with patient-provider communication in the ED setting and their perspectives on hearing screening and using the personal amplifier in the emergency department. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis and Atlas.ti V8.4 software (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany). RESULTS The veteran sample (n = 11) had a mean age of 80.3 years (SD = 10.2). The provider sample included 7 nurses and 3 physicians. In the ED setting, hearing loss disrupts patient-provider communication. Screening for hearing loss in the emergency department was feasible except in urgent/emergent cases. The use of the personal amplifier made communication more effective and less effortful for both veterans and providers. DISCUSSION Providing the personal amplifier improved the ED experience for veterans and offers a promising intervention that could improve health care quality and safety for ED patient populations.
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Clancy HA, Zhu Z, Gordon NP, Kipnis P, Liu VX, Escobar GJ. Prospective evaluation of social risks, physical function, and cognitive function in prediction of non-elective rehospitalization and post-discharge mortality. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:574. [PMID: 35484624 PMCID: PMC9052530 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence suggests that social factors and problems with physical and cognitive function may contribute to patients’ rehospitalization risk. Understanding a patient’s readmission risk may help healthcare providers develop tailored treatment and post-discharge care plans to reduce readmission and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate whether including patient-reported data on social factors; cognitive status; and physical function improves on a predictive model based on electronic health record (EHR) data alone. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 1,547 hospitalized adult patients in 3 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals. The main outcomes were non-elective rehospitalization or death within 30 days post-discharge. Exposures included patient-reported social factors and cognitive and physical function (obtained in a pre-discharge interview) and EHR–derived data for comorbidity burden, acute physiology, care directives, prior utilization, and hospital length of stay. We performed bivariate comparisons using Chi-square, t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and assessed correlations between continuous variables using Spearman’s rho statistic. For all models, the results reported were obtained after fivefold cross validation. Results The 1,547 adult patients interviewed were younger (age, p = 0.03) and sicker (COPS2, p < 0.0001) than the rest of the hospitalized population. Of the 6 patient-reported social factors measured, 3 (not living with a spouse/partner, transportation difficulties, health or disability-related limitations in daily activities) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the main outcomes, while 3 (living situation concerns, problems with food availability, financial problems) were not. Patient-reported cognitive (p = 0.027) and physical function (p = 0.01) were significantly lower in patients with the main outcomes. None of the patient-reported variables, singly or in combination, improved predictive performance of a model that included acute physiology and longitudinal comorbidity burden (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.716 for both the EHR model and maximal performance of a random forest model including all predictors). Conclusions In this insured population, incorporating patient-reported social factors and measures of cognitive and physical function did not improve performance of an EHR-based model predicting 30-day non-elective rehospitalization or mortality. While incorporating patient-reported social and functional status data did not improve ability to predict these outcomes, such data may still be important for improving patient outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07910-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A Clancy
- Systems Research Initiative, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Systems Research Initiative, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Nancy P Gordon
- Systems Research Initiative, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Patricia Kipnis
- Systems Research Initiative, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.
| | - Vincent X Liu
- Systems Research Initiative, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA.,Intensive Care Unit, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, 700 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, CA, 95051, USA
| | - Gabriel J Escobar
- Systems Research Initiative, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
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Jacobsohn GC, Jones CMC, Green RK, Cochran AL, Caprio TV, Cushman JT, Kind AJH, Lohmeier M, Mi R, Shah MN. Effectiveness of a care transitions intervention for older adults discharged home from the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:51-63. [PMID: 34310796 PMCID: PMC8766871 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving care transitions following emergency department (ED) visits may reduce post-ED adverse events among older adults (e.g., ED revisits, decreased function). The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) improves hospital-to-home transitions; however, its effectiveness at improving post-ED outcomes is unknown. We tested the effectiveness of the CTI with community-dwelling older adult ED patients, hypothesizing that it would reduce revisits and increase performance of self-management behaviors during the 30 days following discharge. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients age ≥ 60 discharged home from one of three EDs in two states. Intervention participants received a minimally modified CTI, with a home visit 24 to 72 h postdischarge and one to three phone calls over 28 days. We collected demographic, health status, and psychosocial data at the initial ED visit. Medication adherence and knowledge of red flag symptoms were assessed via phone survey. Care use and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records. We performed multivariate regressions for intention-to-treat and per-protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS Participant characteristics (N = 1,756) were similar across groups: mean age 72.4 ± 8.6 years and 53% female. Of those randomized to the intervention, 84% completed the home visit. Overall, 12.4% of participants returned to the ED within 30 days. The CTI did not significantly affect odds of 30-day ED revisits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72 to 1.30) or medication adherence (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.32). Participants receiving the CTI (PP) had increased odds of in-person follow-up with outpatient clinicians during the week following discharge (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.51) and recalling at least one red flag from ED discharge instructions (AOR = 1.34 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.71). CONCLUSIONS The CTI did not reduce 30-day ED revisits but did significantly increase key care transition behaviors (outpatient follow-up, red flag knowledge). Additional research is needed to explore if patients with different conditions benefit more from the CTI and whether decreasing ED revisits is the most appropriate outcome for all older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen C Jacobsohn
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Courtney M C Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Rebecca K Green
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amy L Cochran
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thomas V Caprio
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jeremy T Cushman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Amy J H Kind
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Veterans Affairs Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael Lohmeier
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ranran Mi
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Manish N Shah
- BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Sung CW, Lu TC, Fang CC, Lin JY, Yeh HF, Huang CH, Tsai CL. Factors associated with a high-risk return visit to the emergency department: a case-crossover study. Eur J Emerg Med 2021; 28:394-401. [PMID: 34191766 DOI: 10.1097/mej.0000000000000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Although factors related to a return emergency department (ED) visit have been reported, few studies have examined 'high-risk' return ED visits with serious adverse outcomes. Understanding factors associated with high-risk return ED visits may help with early recognition and prevention of these catastrophic events. OBJECTIVES We aimed to (1) estimate the incidence of high-risk return ED visits, and (2) to investigate time-varying factors associated with these revisits. DESIGN Case-crossover study. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS We used electronic clinical warehouse data from a tertiary medical center. We retrieved data from 651 815 ED visits over a 6-year period. Patient demographics and computerized triage information were extracted. OUTCOME MEASURE AND ANALYSIS A high-risk return ED visit was defined as a revisit within 72 h of the index visit with ICU admission, receiving emergency surgery, or with in-hospital cardiac arrest during the return ED visit. Time-varying factors associated with a return visit were identified. MAIN RESULTS There were 440 281 adult index visits, of which 19 675 (4.5%) return visits occurred within 72 h. Of them, 417 (0.1%) were high-risk revisits. Multivariable analysis showed that time-varying factors associated with an increased risk of high-risk revisits included the following: arrival by ambulance, dyspnea, or chest pain on ED presentation, triage level 1 or 2, acute change in levels of consciousness, tachycardia (>90/min), and high fever (>39°C). CONCLUSIONS We found a relatively small fraction of discharges (0.1%) developed serious adverse events during the return ED visits. We identified symptom-based and vital sign-based warning signs that may be used for patient self-monitoring at home, as well as new-onset signs during the return visit to alert healthcare providers for timely management of these high-risk revisits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Sung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu
| | - Tsung-Chien Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Fang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-You Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Huang-Fu Yeh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Chien-Hua Huang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chu-Lin Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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van Loon-van Gaalen M, van der Linden MC, Gussekloo J, van der Mast RC. Telephone follow-up to reduce unplanned hospital returns for older emergency department patients: A randomized trial. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:3157-3166. [PMID: 34173229 PMCID: PMC9290482 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background/Objectives Telephone follow‐up calls could optimize the transition from the emergency department (ED) to home for older patients. However, the effects on hospital return rates are not clear. We investigated whether telephone follow‐up reduces unplanned hospitalizations and/or unplanned ED return visits within 30 days of ED discharge. Design Pragmatic randomized controlled trial with allocation by month; odd months intervention group, even months control group. Setting Two ED locations of a non‐academic teaching hospital in The Netherlands. Participants Community‐dwelling adults aged ≥70 years, discharged home from the ED were randomized to the intervention group (N = 4732) or control group (N = 5104). Intervention Intervention group patients: semi‐scripted telephone call from an ED nurse within 24 h after discharge to identify post‐discharge problems and review discharge instructions. Control group patients: scripted satisfaction survey telephone call. Measurements Primary outcome: total number of unplanned hospitalizations and/or ED return visits within 30 days of ED discharge. Secondary outcomes: separate numbers of unplanned hospitalizations and ED return visits. Subgroup analysis by age, sex, living condition, and degree of crowding in the ED at discharge. Results Overall, 42% were males, and median age was 78 years. In the intervention group, 1516 of 4732 patients (32%) consented, and in the control group 1659 of 5104 (33%) patients. Unplanned 30‐day hospitalization and/or ED return visit was found in 16% of intervention group patients and 14% of control group patients (odds ratio 1.16; 95% confidence interval: 0.96–1.42). Also, no statistically significant differences were found in secondary outcome measures. Within the subgroups, the intervention did not have beneficial effects for the intervention group. Conclusion Telephone follow‐up after ED discharge in older patients did not result in reduction of unplanned hospital admissions and/or ED return visits within 30 days. These results raise the question of whether other outcomes could be improved by post‐discharge ED telephone follow‐up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacobijn Gussekloo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roos C van der Mast
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, CAPRI-University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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12
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Hoffmann E, Andersen PT, Mogensen CB, Prinds C, Primdahl J. Relatives' negotiation power in relation to older people's acute hospital admission: A qualitative interview study. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:1016-1026. [PMID: 34156115 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acutely admitted older people are potentially vulnerable and dependent on relatives to negotiate and navigate on their behalf. AIM This study aimed to explore relatives' experiences of their interactions with healthcare professionals during acute hospital admission of older people to derive themes of importance for relatives' negotiations with these professionals. METHOD A qualitative design was applied. Relatives of acutely admitted older people at two emergency departments in Denmark were interviewed (n = 17). The qualitative content analysis was guided by Graneheim and Lundman's concepts. RESULTS The analysis derived four themes: (a) Mandate, (b) Incentive, (c) Capability and (d) Attitude to taking action. These four sources of relatives' negotiation power can be illustrated in the MICA model. CONCLUSION Four themes were identified as important sources of relatives' negotiation power. Since the four sources of power potentially change according to the situation, relatives' negotiation power seems to be context dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hoffmann
- University College South Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,OPEN, Open Patient data Explorative, Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Christian Backer Mogensen
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Hospital Sønderjylland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Christina Prinds
- University College South Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark.,Research Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jette Primdahl
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Hospital Sønderjylland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Aabenraa, Denmark.,Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark
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13
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Abraham PJ, Abraham MN, Griffin RL, Tanner L, Jansen JO. Evaluation of Injury Recidivism Using the Electronic Medical Record. J Surg Res 2021; 267:217-223. [PMID: 34153565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic injuries remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Patients who survive traumatic injuries but return to the emergency department with repeat injuries are said to suffer from injury recidivism. Numerous studies have described trends in injury recidivism using trauma registry and survey data. To our knowledge, no prior study has leveraged electronic medical record (EMR) data to characterize injury recidivism. The EMR is potentially more comprehensive as it contains details of patients who visited the emergency department after injury but did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the trauma registry. Such injuries could be predictive of future recidivism. We therefore aimed to describe patterns of injury recidivism seen at a Level 1 trauma center using the EMR. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of all injury-related encounters between January 2016 and December 2019. Manual review was conducted of all recidivistic encounters with < 11 months between encounters to ensure the recidivistic encounter was not a sequela of the index visit. A general estimating equation logistic regression adjusted for age, race, sex, and insurance payor, estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between injury mechanism and odds of recidivistic encounter. RESULTS A total of 20,566 index encounters was included during the study period. Of the 20,566 encounters, 7.6% (n = 1570) had a recidivistic encounter during the study period, half of which (n = 781) occurred within the first year of the index encounter. An over two-fold increased odds of recidivism was observed for blunt assault encounters (OR 2.53, 95% CI 2.03-3.15) and unintentional falls (OR 2.10, 95% CI 1.76-2.52). For both mechanisms, this increase was observed across the three years following the index encounter. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that patients with assault injuries have the highest odds of injury recidivism and assault-related recidivistic encounters. These results demonstrate the feasibility and utility of incorporating EMR data, and suggest that the development of targeted interventions focused on mitigating assault injuries, such as hospital-based violence intervention programs, should be considered in our region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Abraham
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Russell L Griffin
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Lauren Tanner
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Jan O Jansen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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14
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Sheikh S, Booth-Norse A, Smotherman C, Kalynych C, Lukens-Bull K, Guerrido E, Henson M, Gautam S, Hendry P. Predicting Pain-Related 30-Day Emergency Department Return Visits in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2020; 21:2748-2756. [PMID: 32875332 PMCID: PMC8557807 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine predictive factors for pain-related emergency department returns in middle-aged and older adults. Design, Setting, and Subjects. This was a subanalysis of patients > 55 years of age enrolled in a prospective observational study of adult patients presenting within 30 days of an index visit to a large, urban, academic center. METHODS Demographic and clinical data were collected and compared to determine significant differences between patients who returned for pain and those who did not. Multiple logistic regressions were used to determine significant predictive variables for return visits. RESULTS The majority of the 130 enrolled patients > 55 years of age returned for pain (57%), were African American (78%), were younger (55-64 years old, 67%), had a high emergency department acuity level (level 1 or 2) at their index visit (56%), had low health literacy (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine [REALM] score, 62%), lived in an area of extreme deprivation (69%), and were admitted (61%) during their index visit. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8-0.9, P = 0.047), health literacy (REALM scores; OR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.3-7.5, P = 0.011), and index visit pain scores (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.2, P = 0.004) were predictive of emergency department returns for pain in middle-aged and older adults. CONCLUSIONS The likelihood of emergency department return visits for pain in middle-aged and older adults decreased with older age, increased with higher health literacy (REALM scores), and increased with increase in pain scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Sheikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Ashley Booth-Norse
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Carmen Smotherman
- Center for Health Equity and Quality Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Colleen Kalynych
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Katryne Lukens-Bull
- Center for Health Equity and Quality Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Erika Guerrido
- Center for Health Equity and Quality Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Morgan Henson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Shiva Gautam
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Phyllis Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
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15
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Oliveira J E Silva L, Jeffery MM, Campbell RL, Mullan AF, Takahashi PY, Bellolio F. Predictors of return visits to the emergency department among different age groups of older adults. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 46:241-246. [PMID: 33071094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of 30-day emergency department (ED) return visits in patients age 65-79 years and age ≥ 80 years. METHODS This was a cohort study of older adults who presented to the ED over a 1-year period. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to identify predictors for returning to the ED within 30 days. We stratified the cohort into those aged 65-79 years and aged ≥80 years. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. This study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines. RESULTS A total of 21,460 ED visits representing 14,528 unique patients were included. The overall return rate was 15% (1998/13,300 visits) for age 65-79 years, and 16% (1306/8160 visits) for age ≥ 80 years. A history of congestive heart failure (CHF), dementia, or prior hospitalization within 2 years were associated with increased odds of returning in both age groups (for age 65-79: CHF aOR 1.36 [CI 1.16-1.59], dementia aOR 1.27 [CI 1.07-1.49], prior hospitalization aOR 1.36 [CI 1.19-1.56]; for age ≥ 80: CHF aOR 1.32 [CI 1.13-1.55], dementia aOR 1.22 [CI 1.04-1.42], and prior hospitalization aOR 1.27 [CI 1.09-1.47]). Being admitted from the ED was associated with decreased odds of returning to the ED within 30 days (aOR 0.72 [CI 0.64-0.80] for age 65-79 years and 0.72 [CI 0.63-0.82] for age ≥ 80). CONCLUSION Age alone was not an independent predictor of return visits. Prior hospitalization, dementia and CHF were predictors of 30-day ED return. The identification of predictors of return visits may help to optimize care transition in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly M Jeffery
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Science Research, Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ronna L Campbell
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Aidan F Mullan
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Paul Y Takahashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fernanda Bellolio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Health Science Research, Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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16
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Ponce-Blandón JA, Mérida-Martín T, Jiménez-Lasserrotte MDM, Jiménez-Picón N, Macías-Seda J, Lomas-Campos MDLM. Analysis of Prehospital Care of Migrants Who Arrive Intermittently at the Coasts of Southern Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061964. [PMID: 32192156 PMCID: PMC7143934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to identify the sociodemographic characteristics and the most frequent diseases and nursing interventions carried out on migrants arriving by sea at southern Spain. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, and retrospective study based on the database of the Spanish Red Cross Intervention Activation System. All migrants who arrived on the coasts of a southern province during 2016 and were assisted by the Red Cross were included. Results: A total of 2027 people were registered, mostly males, aged between 18 and 40 years. Of these, 4.9% required healthcare, and 2.9% were referred to hospital. Highlighted diagnoses were headaches (15.6%), pregnancy (12.8%), and lower-limb wounds (6.4%), and outstanding nursing interventions were “care of wounds” (24.7%), “pain management” (21.9%), and “prenatal care” (15.2%). Statistically significant relationships were found between the diagnosed diseases and gender, geographic area of origin, and seasonal time of the year, as well as between nursing interventions performed and those three variables. Conclusions: Although in general, a good health condition was observed in most of the migrants treated, the most frequent health situations attended were related to dermatological, gynecological, and headache problems. The most performed nursing interventions were related to skin/wound care and promotion of physical comfort, requiring a low need for hospital transfers. Female gender, origin from sub-Saharan Africa and arrival in the summer period carry a greater risk of suffering health problems when migrants reach Spanish coasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Ponce-Blandón
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería de la Cruz Roja, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34615585859
| | | | | | - Nerea Jiménez-Picón
- Centro Universitario de Enfermería de la Cruz Roja, Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Juana Macías-Seda
- Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología. Universidad de Sevilla, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; (J.M.-S.); (M.d.l.M.L.-C.)
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