scholarly journals Social media language of healthcare super-utilizers

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharath Chandra Guntuku ◽  
Elissa V. Klinger ◽  
Haley J. McCalpin ◽  
Lyle H. Ungar ◽  
David A. Asch ◽  
...  

AbstractAn understanding of healthcare super-utilizers’ online behaviors could better identify experiences to inform interventions. In this retrospective case-control study, we analyzed patients’ social media posts to better understand their day-to-day behaviors and emotions expressed online. Patients included those receiving care in an urban academic emergency department who consented to share access to their historical Facebook posts and electronic health records. Super-utilizers were defined as patients with more than six visits to the Emergency Department (ED) in a year. We compared posts by super-utilizers with a matched group using propensity scoring based on age, gender and Charlson comorbidity index. Super-utilizers were more likely to post about confusion and negativity (D = .65, 95% CI-[.38, .95]), self-reflection (D = .63 [.35, .91]), avoidance (D = .62 [.34, .90]), swearing (D = .52 [.24, .79]), sleep (D = .60 [.32, .88]), seeking help and attention (D = .61 [.33, .89]), psychosomatic symptoms, (D = .49 [.22, .77]), self-agency (D = .56 [.29, .85]), anger (D = .51, [.24, .79]), stress (D = .46, [.19, .73]), and lonely expressions (D = .44, [.17, .71]). Insights from this study can potentially supplement offline community care services with online social support interventions considering the high engagement of super-utilizers on social media.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S335-S336
Author(s):  
Hyeri Seok ◽  
Ju-Hyun Song ◽  
Ji Hoon Jeon ◽  
Hee Kyoung Choi ◽  
Won Suk Choi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Even after the introduction of the Sepsis-3 definition, there is still debate on the ideal antibiotic administration time in patients with sepsis. This study was performed to evaluate the association between the timing of antibiotic administration and mortality in sepsis patients who visited the emergency room. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients who were diagnosed as sepsis with Sepsis-3 definition among patients who visited the emergency department (ED) of Korea University Ansan Hospital from September 2017 to January 2019. The timing of antibiotic administration was defined as the time in hours from ED arrival until the first antibiotic administration. Cox logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between time to antibiotics and 7-, 14-, and 28-day mortality. Results During the study period, a total of 251 patients were enrolled with a 7-, 14-, and 28-day mortality of 16.7%, 36.3%, and 57.4%, respectively. The median time to antibiotic administration was 247 minutes (interquartile range 72 – 202 minutes). The mean age was 72 ± 15 years old and 122 patients (48.6%) were female. The most common site of infection was respiratory infection. The timing of antibiotic administration were not associated with 7-, 14-, and 28-day mortality. Female (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21 – 3.53]; P value = 0.008), SOFA score (aHR 1.17 [95% CI 1.05 - 1.31]; P = 0.005), and initial lactate level (aHR 1.13 [95% CI 1.05 - 1.22]; P = 0.001) increased the risk of 7-day mortality. Female (aHR 2.07 [95% CI 1.48 – 2.89]; P ≤ 0.001), Charlson comorbidity index (aHR 1.12 [95% CI 1.02 - 1.24]; P = 0.025), and initial lactate level (aHR 1.19 [95% CI 1.02 - 1.16]; P = 0.011) increased the risk of 14-day mortality. Female (aHR 1.95 [95% CI 1.50 – 2.54]; P = 0.001) increased the risk of 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis. Conclusion The timing of antibiotic administration did not increase the risk of mortality in the treatment of sepsis patients who visited ED. Rather, the SOFA score, lactate, female, and comorbidity increased the mortality associated with sepsis. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 446.2-446
Author(s):  
L. Brunetti ◽  
J. Vekaria ◽  
P. Lipsky ◽  
N. Schlesinger

Background:Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and its economic burden is substantial, with estimates for the overall cost exceeding $20 billion (US) annually. Contributing to the economic burden are hospital admissions and iatrogenic events associated with pharmacotherapy. Identification of modifiable risk factors would be an important contribution to clinical practice.Objectives:The aim of this study was to identify opportunities for enhancing gout care in patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with gout flares.Methods:This retrospective cohort study used data from electronic medical records (EMR) at a large community hospital. All consecutive patients visiting the medical center ED with a primary diagnosis of gout from 1/1/2016 to 7/1/2019 were included. Patients were then followed for 90 days to determine whether they were readmitted to the ED for any reason. A chart review identified whether they were on appropriate medications in terms of gout flare management. All data were summarized using descriptive statistics. A multiple logistic regression was constructed to identify risk factors for ED utilization within 90 days of the index visit.Results:A total of 214 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients were male (79%), mean age was 59.4 ± 15.6 years, and mean Charlson comorbidity index was 0.5 ± 1.14. The most common medications prescribed during the ED visit included NSAIDs (41.6%), opioids (28%), corticosteroids (26.6%), and colchicine (21%). Allopurinol and febuxostat were initiated in the ED in 4.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Discharge medications for the management of gout included NSAIDs (37%), corticosteroids (34.6%), opioids (23.8%), colchicine (14%), febuxostat (7%), and allopurinol (6.5%). Of the patients sent home with an opioid, 40% were newly prescribed. An anti-inflammatory medication was not prescribed in 29.6% of patients discharged from the ED. Readmission within 90 days was recorded in 16.8% of patients. Of these readmissions, 33.3% were gout-related and 11.1% were cardiac related.After adjusting for age and comorbidity index, patients receiving colchicine were 2.8 times more likely (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.12 to 7.02; p=0.027) to return to the ED within 90 days. The most common cause of readmission in this subset was gout-related (54.5%).Conclusion:Nearly 30% of patients were discharged from the ED without an anti-inflammatory medication, whereas initiation of urate lowering therapy was rare. Opiates were used frequently, but the indication was uncertain. Only 5.6% of subjects revisited the ED for gout-related diagnoses in the subsequent 3 months. Colchicine prescription was associated with an increased risk of gout-related ED utilization within 90 days. Treatment of gout in the ED is sub-optimal and often does not follow established guidelines.Disclosure of Interests: :Luigi Brunetti Grant/research support from: Astellas Pharma, CSL Behring, Consultant of: Horizon Foundation of New Jersey, Janaki Vekaria: None declared, Peter Lipsky Consultant of: Horizon Therapeutics, Naomi Schlesinger Grant/research support from: Pfizer, AMGEN, Consultant of: Novartis, Horizon Pharma, Selecta Biosciences, Olatec, IFM Therapeutics, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Speakers bureau: Takeda, Horizon


CJEM ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (04) ◽  
pp. 339-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M. Spence ◽  
Yvonne Bergmans ◽  
Carol Strike ◽  
Paul S. Links ◽  
Jeffrey S. Ball ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjective:This qualitative study investigated the repeated use of the emergency department (ED) by men with a history of suicidal behaviour and substance abuse to understand the needs and barriers to care for this high-risk group. Identification of common themes from interviews with patients and health care workers can serve as a basis for improved ED-based interventions.Methods:Using semistructured interviews, patients, ED staff and family physicians were asked about needs of the aformentioned group. Twenty-five patients were interviewed and completed questionnaires regarding their substance use, aggression, parasuicidal behaviour, alexithymia and childhood trauma. In addition, 27 staff members were interviewed. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using an iterative coding process.Results:Of the 25 patients, 23 (96%) had a mood or anxiety disorder and 18 (75%) had borderline personality disorder. One-half of the patients scored high and another quarter scored moderate on alexithymia testing. The ED was viewed as a last resort despite seeking help. Frustration was felt by both patients and staff regarding difficult communication, especially during an acute crisis.Conclusion:The ED plays an important role in the provision of care for men with recurrent suicidal behaviour and substance abuse. Some of the diagnoses and problems faced by these patients are beyond the purview of the ED; however, staff can identify mutual goals for crisis interventions, allow for frequent communication and seek to de-escalate situations through the validation of the stress patients are experiencing.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8) ◽  
pp. 871-879 ◽  
Author(s):  
John G. Schumacher ◽  
Jon Mark Hirshon ◽  
Phillip Magidson ◽  
Marilyn Chrisman ◽  
Terisita Hogan

The traditional model of emergency care no longer fits the growing needs of the over 20 million older adults annually seeking emergency department care. In 2007 a tailored “geriatric emergency department” model was introduced and rapidly replicated among hospitals, rising steeply over the past 5 years. This survey examined all U.S. emergency departments self-identifying themselves as Geriatric Emergency Departments (GEDs) and providing enhanced geriatric emergency care services. It was guided by the recently adopted Geriatric Emergency Department Guidelines and examined domains including, GED identity, staffing, and administration; education, equipment, and supplies; policies, procedures, and protocols; follow-up and transitions of care; and quality improvement. Results reveal a heterogeneous mix of GED staffing, procedures, physical environments and that GEDs’ familiarity with the GED Guidelines is low. Findings will inform emergency departments and gerontologists nationwide about key GED model elements and will help hospitals to improve ED services for their older adult patients.


Author(s):  
Tanushri Dalvi ◽  
Shrivardhan Kalghatgi ◽  
Samruddhi Metha ◽  
Amol Karagir ◽  
Madhuri Sale ◽  
...  

Background: In the last few decades, information and communication technology in social media has brought tremendous changes in the whole business, educational and political system; Dentistry is not an exception. The rise of social media has transformed how health professionals interact with their patients and deliver different types of health care services. Aim: To assess the attitudes and practices related to social media usage among dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted among all dental practitioners in Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad city, Maharashtra, India. The questionnaire consisted of first part with socio-demographic variables like age, gender, years of experience and area of expertise and second part to assess attitudes and practices towards social media usage. Results: Among total of 138 dental practitioners, majority (68.1%) were belonging to age of 36-44 years followed by those above 45 years of age (17.4%). Around 49.3% dental practitioners were practicing dentistry since less than 5 years. Gender wise comparison showed no significant difference between attitudes and practices for social media usage. Although significant difference was found for question 3, 6 and 11 for P < 0.05. Conclusion: There has been wide adoption of social media among dental practitioners and shows no significant difference with different genders for both attitudes and practices.


Author(s):  
Kristin G. Maki ◽  
Aisha K. O'Mally

Social support has been linked with many health outcomes, ranging from heart disease to depression. Although its importance has been recognized, less is known about how individuals with chronic illnesses may use social media to provide and seek social support. This chapter's focus is on the way in which people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) use social media to provide and solicit social support. A mixed-methods approach is utilized. First, posts from two social media platforms were qualitatively content analyzed. Second, the data were quantitatively analyzed to provide a finer-grained understanding of the messages. The results show informational support as the most prevalent on both sites, although there are some differences in content and use. This chapter's implications highlight the importance of social media as a conduit for social support among caregivers and individuals affected by T1D.


Author(s):  
Georgina Fozard ◽  
Philippa Greenfield

Training in psychiatry involves a fascinating and rewarding journey, and is a wonderful career for women. This chapter explores what it means to be a female psychiatric trainee. The authors discuss the recruitment crisis within psychiatry and the way that stigma and financial pressures upon the NHS compound this. They discuss their own experiences as medical students interested in psychiatry, particularly with regard to overcoming prejudices within the wider medical profession. There are certain challenges that are particular to training in psychiatry that women trainees face, including everyday sexism and how it impacts on self-esteem, as well as exposure to violence and stalking, and the effect of social media on medical practice. The authors discuss their own experiences in facing these challenges, what more could be done to support trainees, and they consider the importance of self-care and the way in which training as a psychiatrist can give trainees particular skills of self-reflection and insights into group dynamics that can be invaluable in developing as medical leaders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-49
Author(s):  
Colleen Webber ◽  
Aurelia Ona Valiulis ◽  
Peter Tanuseputro ◽  
Valerie Schulz ◽  
Tavis Apramian ◽  
...  

Background: Limited research has characterized team-based models of home palliative care and the outcomes of patients supported by these care teams. Case presentation: A retrospective case series describing care and outcomes of patients managed by the London Home Palliative Care Team between May 1, 2017 and April 1, 2019. Case management: The London Home Palliative Care (LHPC) Team care model is based upon 3 pillars: 1) physician visit availability 2) active patient-centered care with strong physician in-home presence and 3) optimal administrative organization. Case outcomes: In the 18 month study period, 354 patients received care from the London Home Palliative Care Team. Most significantly, 88.4% ( n = 313) died in the community or at a designated palliative care unit after prearranged direct transfer; no comparable provincial data is available. 21.2% ( n = 75) patients visited an emergency department and 24.6% ( n = 87) were admitted to hospital at least once in their final 30 days of life. 280 (79.1%) died in the community. These values are better than comparable provincial estimates of 62.7%, 61.7%, and 24.0%, respectively. Conclusion: The London Home Palliative Care (LHPC) Team model appears to favorably impact community death rate, ER visits and unplanned hospital admissions, as compared to accepted provincial data. Studies to determine if this model is reproducible could support palliative care teams achieving similar results.


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