scholarly journals Comprehensive geriatric assessment in the emergency department

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 936-938 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhan Harding
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Completing comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) for frail patients admitted to acute hospitals has well-established benefits and is advocated by national guidelines. There is high-quality evidence demonstrating an association between inpatient CGAs and the patient being alive and community-dwelling at 12-month follow-up. However, less well-known is the effectiveness of CGAs conducted within the emergency department (ED), with the primary purpose of facilitating admission avoidance, on reducing 30-day reattendance or readmission. This commentary provides an overview of five studies that measure the impact of conducting an ED-CGA on subsequent secondary care attendance. Two randomised-controlled trials, one case-matched cohort study and two quasi-experimental pre- and post-intervention studies were reviewed. The studies reported variable success in preventing subsequent secondary care use. No studies meeting the criteria had been conducted within the UK, affecting generalisability of the findings. There is no clear evidence that conducting a CGA within ED reduced reattendances or admissions 30 days post-discharge. The existing evidence base is methodologically and clinically heterogeneous and is vulnerable to multiple sources of bias. Further research is needed to understand whether screening to identify target populations or whether increased intensity of interventions delivered improves outcomes. ED-CGA may not have a beneficial effect on cost improvement or service delivery metrics, but it may have positive outcomes that are of high importance to the patients. This warrants further study.

scholarly journals 993. Pharmacist-driven Penicillin Allergy Assessment in the Emergency Department – Antimicrobial Stewardship at the Point of Prescription

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S349-S350
Author(s):  
Samantha Campbell ◽  
Pavithra Srinivas ◽  
Gregory Hauler ◽  
Ellen Immler ◽  
Susan Seiti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Assessment Process ◽  
Allergic Reactions ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Β-lactam allergy assessment is endorsed by the IDSA as an antimicrobial stewardship tool to enhance the use of first-line agents. We evaluated the impact of pharmacist-driven penicillin (PCN) allergy assessment at the point of prescription on antibiotic use in our emergency department (ED). Methods Retrospective, quasi-experimental study of adult patients with a PCN allergy receiving antibiotics at a community hospital ED. The intervention comprised an ED pharmacist performing allergy assessment and discussing therapy options with providers at the point of prescription. The primary outcome was to evaluate impact on guideline-preferred antibiotic prescription in the ED pre-intervention (March 1, 2017–August 31, 2017) vs. post-intervention (March 1, 2018–August 31, 2018). Secondary outcomes included types of reported allergic reactions, safety of allergy assessment process, and impact on downstream antibiotic use. Results Overall, 381 patients were evaluated (256 pre-intervention, 125 post-intervention). The median age was similar between groups and 85% of patients presented to the ED from the community. Most common infectious syndromes encountered in the ED were UTIs (35%), respiratory tract infections (25%), and skin/soft-tissue infections (18%). The proportion of guideline-preferred antibiotic prescriptions in the ED increased from 37% pre to 44% post (P = 0.171). Proportion of fluoroquinolone (FQ) prescriptions in the ED was reduced from 37.5% pre to 26% post (P = 0.021). Proportion of cephalosporin prescriptions increased from 26% pre to 42% post (P = 0.002). Types of reported allergic reactions were similar between groups and 55% of patients had tolerated a β-lactam agent since the listed allergy. Overall, 70% of patients were hospitalized from the ED. Similar trends in antibiotic use were observed at admission – decreased FQs (38% pre vs. 27% post, P = 0.059), increased cephalosporins (24% pre vs. 38.4% post, P = 0.021). Two patients (1.6%) experienced a nonsevere reaction within 24 hours of β-lactam administration post-allergy assessment. Conclusion Pharmacist-driven PCN allergy assessment at the point of prescription in the ED was safe and effective at improving the use of guideline-preferred antibiotics and reducing FQ use. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals 1346. Implementation of a Multidisciplinary 48 Hour Antibiotic Timeout in a Pediatric Population

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S684-S684
Author(s):  
Victoria Konold ◽  
Palak Bhagat ◽  
Jennifer Pisano ◽  
Natasha N Pettit ◽  
Anish Choksi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Days Of Therapy ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
Core Elements ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Empirical Antibiotics ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background To meet the core elements required for antimicrobial stewardship programs, our institution implemented a pharmacy-led antibiotic timeout (ATO) process in 2017 and a multidisciplinary ATO process in 2019. An antibiotic timeout is a discussion and review of the need for ongoing empirical antibiotics 2-4 days after initiation. This study sought to evaluate both the multidisciplinary ATO and the pharmacy-led ATO in a pediatric population, compare the impact of each intervention on antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) to a pre-intervention group without an ATO, and to then compare the impact of the pharmacy-led ATO versus multidisciplinary ATO on antibiotic days of therapy (DOT). Methods This was a retrospective, pre-post, quasi-experimental study of pediatric patients comparing antibiotic DOT prior to ATO implementation (pre-ATO), during the pharmacy-led ATO (pharm-ATO), and during the multidisciplinary ATO (multi-ATO). The pre-ATO group was a patient sample from February-September 2016, prior to the initiation of a formal ATO. The pharmacy-led ATO was implemented from February-September 2018. This was followed by a multidisciplinary ATO led by pediatric residents and nurses from February-September 2019. Both the pharm-ATO and the multi-ATO were implemented as an active non-interruptive alert added to the electronic health record patient list. This alert triggered when new antibiotics had been administered to the patient for 48 hours, at which time, the responsible clinician would discuss the antibiotic and document their decision via the alert workspace. Pediatric patients receiving IV or PO antibiotics administered for at least 48 hours were included. The primary outcome was DOT. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and mortality. Results 1284 unique antibiotic orders (n= 572 patients) were reviewed in the pre-ATO group, 868 (n= 323 patients) in the pharm-ATO and 949 (n= 305 patients) in the multi-ATO groups. Average DOT was not significantly different pre vs post intervention for either methodology (Table 1). Mortality was similar between groups, but LOS was longer for both intervention groups (Table 1). Impact of an ATO on DOT, Mortality and LOS Conclusion An ATO had no impact on average antibiotic DOT in a pediatric population, regardless of the ATO methodology. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals An evaluation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions for people with dementia and a concomitant support group for their carers

Dementia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 985-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Bailey ◽  
Paul Kingston ◽  
Simon Alford ◽  
Louise Taylor ◽  
Edward Tolhurst
Keyword(s):  
Support Groups ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

This research aimed to ascertain the impact of a pragmatic Cognitive Stimulation Therapy course of 10 sessions on the cognitive function of people living with dementia and whether attending a concomitant carers support group was beneficial to carers. A mixed method quasi-experimental approach was adopted; data were collected pre- and post-intervention. The quantitative arm utilised three validated questionnaires rated by the carers. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews with carers regarding their perceptions of the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and the carers support group. Quantitative data analysis found no statistically significant differences within or between groups. The qualitative data demonstrated that carers perceived Cognitive Stimulation Therapy had some benefits for the people living with dementia, especially social benefits. Carers also perceived that attending the carers support group was beneficial for them in terms of gaining a better understanding of dementia, developing coping skills and having peer support. The study was limited in scale and further research with a larger sample, using direct measures of the impact of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy with people living with dementia and supplementary research exploring which characteristic of carers support groups are effective would be worthwhile.

scholarly journals Applying quality improvement principles to improve accident and emergency department overcrowding and flow in Rwanda: a case study

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Claude Byiringiro ◽  
Rex Wong ◽  
Caroline Davis ◽  
Jeffery Williams ◽  
Joseph Becker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Triage System ◽  
Accident And Emergency ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Accident And Emergency Department ◽  
The Impact

Few case studies exist related to hospital accident and emergency department (A&E) quality improvement efforts in lowerresourced settings. We sought to report the impact of quality improvement principles applied to A&E overcrowding and flow in the largest referral and teaching hospital in Rwanda. A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted. A linked set of strategies included reallocating room space based on patient/visitor demand and flow, redirecting traffic, establishing a patient triage system and installing white boards to facilitate communication. Two months post-implementation, the average number of patients boarding in the A&E hallways significantly decreased from 28 (pre-intervention) to zero (post-intervention), p < .001. Foot traffic per dayshift hour significantly decreased from 221 people to 160 people (28%, p < .001), and non-A&E related foot traffic decreased from 81.4% to 36.3% (45% decrease, p < .001). One hundred percent of the A&E patients have been formally triaged since the implementation of the newly established triage system. Our project used quality improvement principles to reduce the number of patients boarding in the hallways and to decrease unnecessary foot traffic in the A&E department with little investment from the hospital. Key success factors included a collaborative multidisciplinary project team, strong internal champions, data-driven analysis, evidence-based interventions, senior leadership support, and rapid application of initial implementation learnings. Results to date show the application of quality improvement principles can help hospitals in resource-limited settings improve quality of care at relatively low cost.

scholarly journals A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy: is it fit for purpose?

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 2149-2159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline M Taylor ◽  
Pauline M Emmett ◽  
Alan M Emond ◽  
Jean Golding
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Fish Consumption ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

AbstractObjectivePublic health messages to reduce Hg exposure for pregnant women have focused exclusively on advice on fish consumption to limit Hg exposure, with little account being taken of the positive contribution of fish to nutritional quality. The aim of the present review was to compare and contrast the content and presentation of national guidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy, and comment on their evidence base and impact on consumption.DesignWe searched for national and international guidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy using Internet search strategies. The detailed content and style of presentation of the guidelines were compared. The evidence base for the guidelines, and evidence for the impact of the guidelines on fish consumption levels, were assessed.ResultsWe identified nineteen national guidelines and three international guidelines. There was great variation in the content, complexity and presentation style. The guidelines were based largely on the Hg content of fish with far less consideration being given to the positive beneficial effects of nutrients provided by fish. The complexity of the guidelines may lead to pregnant women reducing their fish intake, or not eating fish at all.ConclusionsGuidelines on fish consumption in pregnancy should take the beneficial effects of fish into account. Guidelines need to be clear and memorable, and appropriately disseminated, to achieve impact. Guidelines could include visual rather than narrative content. Use of technology, for example apps, could enable women to record their fish consumption in real time and log compliance with guidance over a week or other time period.

scholarly journals Retrospective evaluation of healthcare utilisation and mortality of two post-discharge care programmes in Singapore

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e027220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Yi Han Ang ◽  
Chuen Seng Tan ◽  
Milawaty Nurjono ◽  
Xin Quan Tan ◽  
Gerald Choon-Huat Koh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Health System ◽  
Emergency Admission ◽  
Healthcare Utilisation ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Discharge Care ◽  
High Acuity ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact on healthcare utilisation frequencies and charges, and mortality of a programme for frequent hospital utilisers and a programme for patients requiring high acuity post-discharge care as part of an integrated healthcare model.DesignA retrospective quasi-experimental study without randomisation where patients who received post-discharge care interventions were matched 1:1 with unenrolled patients as controls.SettingThe National University Health System (NUHS) Regional Health System (RHS), which was one of six RHS in Singapore, implemented the NUHS RHS Integrated Interventions and Care Extension (NICE) programme for frequent hospital utilisers and the NUHS Transitional Care Programme (NUHS TCP) for high acuity post-discharge care. The programmes were supported by the Ministry of Health in Singapore, which is a city-state nation located in Southeast Asia with a 5.6 million population.ParticipantsLinked healthcare administrative data, for the time period of January 2013 to December 2016, were extracted for patients enrolled in NICE (n=554) or NUHS TCP (n=270) from June 2014 to December 2015, and control patients.InterventionsFor both programmes, teams conducted follow-up home visits and phone calls to monitor and manage patients’ post-discharge.Primary outcome measuresOne-year pre- and post-enrolment healthcare utilisation frequencies and charges of all-cause inpatient admissions, emergency admissions, emergency department attendances, specialist outpatient clinic (SOC) attendances, total inpatient length of stay and mortality rates were compared.ResultsPatients in NICE had lower mortality rate, but higher all-cause inpatient admission, emergency admission and emergency department attendance charges. Patients in NUHS TCP did not have lower mortality rate, but had higher emergency admission and SOC attendance charges.ConclusionsBoth NICE and NUHS TCP had no improvements in 1 year healthcare utilisation across various setting and metrics. Singular interventions might not be as impactful in effecting utilisation without an overhauling transformation and restructuring of the hospital and healthcare system.

scholarly journals Managing chronic conditions care across primary care and hospital systems: lessons from an Australian Hospital Avoidance Risk Program using the Flinders Chronic Condition Management Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Lawn ◽  
Sara Zabeen ◽  
David Smith ◽  
Ellen Wilson ◽  
Cathie Miller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Psychosocial Needs ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
The Impact

Objective The study aimed to determine the impact of the Flinders Chronic Condition Management Program for chronic condition self-management care planning and how to improve its use with Bendigo Health’s Hospital Admission Risk Program (HARP). Methods A retrospective analysis of hospital admission data collected by Bendigo Health from July 2012 to September 2013 was undertaken. Length of stay during admission and total contacts post-discharge by hospital staff for 253 patients with 644 admissions were considered as outcome variables. For statistical modelling we used the generalised linear model. Results The combination of the HARP and Flinders Program was able to achieve significant reductions in hospital admissions and non-significant reduction in emergency department presentations and length of stay. The generalised linear model predicted that vulnerable patient groups such as those with heart disease (P = 0.037) and complex needs (P < 0.001) received more post-discharge contacts by HARP staff than those suffering from diabetes, renal conditions and psychosocial needs when they lived alone. Similarly, respiratory (P < 0.001), heart disease (P = 0.015) and complex needs (P = 0.050) patients had more contacts, with an increased number of episodes than those suffering from diabetes, renal conditions and psychosocial needs. Conclusion The Flinders Program appeared to have significant positive impacts on HARP patients that could be more effective if high-risk groups, such as respiratory patients with no carers and respiratory and heart disease patients aged 0–65, had received more targeted care. What is known about the topic? Chronic conditions are common causes of premature death and disability in Australia. Besides mental and physical impacts at the individual level, chronic conditions are strongly linked to high costs and health service utilisation. Hospital avoidance programs such as HARP can better manage chronic conditions through a greater focus on coordination and integration of care across primary care and hospital systems. In support of HARP, self-management interventions such as the Flinders Program aim to help individuals better manage their medical treatment and cope with the impact of the condition on their physical and mental wellbeing and thus reduce health services utilisation. What does this paper add? This paper sheds light on which patients might be more or less likely to benefit from the combination of the HARP and Flinders Program, with regard to their impact on reductions in hospital admissions, emergency department presentations and length of stay. This study also sheds light on how the Flinders Program could be better targeted towards and implemented among high-need and high-cost patients to lessen chronic disease burden on Australia’s health system. What are the implications for practitioners? Programs targeting vulnerable populations and applying evidence-based chronic condition management and self-management support achieve significant reductions in potentially avoidable hospitalisation and emergency department presentation rates, though sex, type of chronic condition and living situation appear to matter. Benefits might also accrue from the combination of contextual factors (such as the Flinders Program, supportive service management, clinical champions in the team) that work synergistically.

scholarly journals Interventions to reduce emergency department consultation time: A systematic review of the literature

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64
Author(s):  
Weiwei Beckerleg ◽  
Krista Wooller ◽  
Delvina Hasimjia
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Decision Time ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Audit And Feedback ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Consultation Process ◽  
Admission Process ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTObjectivesOvercrowding in the emergency department (ED) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown that consultation to decision time, defined as the time when a consultation has been accepted by a specialty service to the time when disposition decision is made, is one important contributor to the overall length of stay in the ED.The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the impact of workflow interventions on consultation to decision time and ED length of stay in patients referred to consultant services in teaching centres, and to identify barriers to reducing consultation to decision time.MethodsThis systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was conducted to identify relevant studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and CINAHL databases. Study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were carried out by two independent reviewers.ResultsA total of nine full text articles were included in the review. All studies reported a decrease in consultation to decision time post intervention, and two studies reported cost savings. Interventions studied included short messaging service (SMS) messaging, education with audit and feedback, standardization of the admission process, implementation of institutional guideline, modification of the consultation process, and staffing schedules. Overall study quality was fair to poor.ConclusionsThe limited evidence suggests that audit and feedback in the form of SMS messaging, direct consultation to senior physicians, and standardization of the admission process may be the most effective and feasible interventions. Additional high-quality studies are required to explore sustainable interventions aimed at reducing consultation to decision time.

scholarly journals An Electronic Alert for HIV Screening in the Emergency Department Increases Screening but not the Diagnosis of HIV

2014 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. 299-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Liu ◽  
J. Sperling ◽  
R. Green ◽  
S. Clark ◽  
D. Vawdrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
New York ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Hiv Screening ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Intervention Group

SummaryObjective: Based on US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, New York State enacted legislation in 2010 requiring healthcare providers to offer non-targeted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing to all patients aged 13–64. Three New York City adult emergency departments implemented an electronic alert that required clinicians to document whether an HIV test was offered before discharging a patient. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the electronic alert on HIV testing rates and diagnosis of HIV positive individuals.Methods: During the pre-intervention period (2.5–4 months), an electronic “HIV Testing” order set was available for clinicians to order a test or document a reason for not offering the test (e.g., patient is not conscious). An electronic alert was then added to enforce completion of the order set, effectively preventing ED discharge until an HIV test was offered to the patient. We analyzed data from 79,786 visits, measuring HIV testing and detection rates during the pre-intervention period and during the six months following the implementation of the alert.Results: The percentage of visits where an HIV test was performed increased from 5.4% in the pre-intervention period to 8.7% (p<0.001) after the electronic alert. After the implementation of the electronic alert, there was a 61% increase in HIV tests performed per visit. However, the percentage of patients testing positive per total patients-tested was slightly lower in the post-intervention group than the pre-intervention group (0.48% vs. 0.55%), but this was not significant. The number of patients-testing positive per total-patient visit was higher in the post-intervention group (0.04% vs. 0.03%).Conclusions: An electronic alert which enforced non-targeted screening was effective at increasing HIV testing rates but did not significantly increase the detection of persons living with HIV. The impact of this electronic alert on healthcare costs and quality of care merits further examination.Citation: Schnall R, Liu N, Sperling J, Green R, Clark S, Vawdrey D. An electronic alert for HIV screening in the emergency department increases screening but not the diagnosis of HIV. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 299–312 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-09-RA-0075

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