scholarly journals The Diagnostic Accuracy of Subjective Dyspnea in Detecting Hypoxemia Among Outpatients with COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linor Berezin ◽  
Alice Zhabokritsky ◽  
Nisha Andany ◽  
Adrienne K Chan ◽  
Andrea Gershon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Home Management ◽  
Virtual Care ◽  
Counting Time ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Dyspnea Score ◽  
Limited Accuracy

Objectives: The majority of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 can be managed using virtual care. Dyspnea is challenging to assess remotely, and the accuracy of subjective dyspnea measures in capturing hypoxemia have not been formally evaluated for COVID-19. We explored the accuracy of subjective dyspnea in diagnosing hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive outpatients with COVID-19 who met criteria for home oxygen saturation monitoring at a university-affiliated acute care hospital in Toronto, Canada from April 3, 2020 to June 8, 2020. Hypoxemia was defined by oxygen saturation <95%. Dyspnea measures were treated as diagnostic tests, and we determined their sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), negative/positive predictive value (NPV/PPV), and positive/negative likelihood ratios (+LR/-LR) for detecting hypoxemia. Results: During the study period 64/298 (21.5%) of patients met criteria for home oxygen saturation monitoring, and of these 14/64 (21.9%) were diagnosed with hypoxemia. The presence/absence of dyspnea had limited accuracy for diagnosing hypoxemia, with SN 57% (95% CI 30-81%), SP 78% (63%-88%), NPV 86% (72%-94%), PPV 42% (21%-66%), +LR 2.55 (1.3-5.1), -LR 0.55 (0.3-1.0). An mMRC dyspnea score >1 (SP 97%, 95%CI 82%-100%), Roth Maximal Count <12 (SP 100%, 95%CI 75-100%), and Roth Counting time < 8 seconds (SP 93%, 95%CI 66%-100%) had high SP that could be used to rule in hypoxemia, but displayed low SN (≤50%). Conclusions: Subjective dyspnea measures have inadequate accuracy for ruling out hypoxemia in high-risk patients with COVID-19. Safe home management of patients with COVID-19 should incorporate home oxygenation saturation monitoring.

scholarly journals Diagnostic accuracy of subjective dyspnoea in detecting hypoxaemia among outpatients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e046282
Author(s):  
Linor Berezin ◽  
Alice Zhabokritsky ◽  
Nisha Andany ◽  
Adrienne K Chan ◽  
Jose Estrada-Codecido ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Retrospective Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Likelihood Ratios ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Risk Patients

ObjectivesThe majority of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 can be managed using virtual care. Dyspnoea is challenging to assess remotely, and the accuracy of subjective dyspnoea measures in capturing hypoxaemia have not been formally evaluated for COVID-19. We explored the accuracy of subjective dyspnoea in diagnosing hypoxaemia in COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive outpatients with COVID-19 who met criteria for home oxygen saturation monitoring at a university-affiliated acute care hospital in Toronto, Canada from 3 April 2020 to 13 September 2020. Dyspnoea measures were treated as diagnostic tests, and we determined their sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), negative/positive predictive value (NPV/PPV) and positive/negative likelihood ratios (+LR/−LR) for detecting hypoxaemia. In the primary analysis, hypoxaemia was defined by oxygen saturation <95%; the diagnostic accuracy of subjective dyspnoea was also assessed across a range of oxygen saturation cutoffs from 92% to 97%.ResultsDuring the study period, 89/501 (17.8%) of patients met criteria for home oxygen saturation monitoring, and of these 17/89 (19.1%) were diagnosed with hypoxaemia. The presence/absence of dyspnoea had limited accuracy for diagnosing hypoxaemia, with SN 47% (95% CI 24% to 72%), SP 80% (95% CI 68% to 88%), NPV 86% (95% CI 75% to 93%), PPV 36% (95% CI 18% to 59%), +LR 2.4 (95% CI 1.2 to 4.7) and −LR 0.7 (95% CI 0.4 to 1.1). The SN of dyspnoea was 50% (95% CI 19% to 81%) when a cut-off of <92% was used to define hypoxaemia. A modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score >1 (SP 98%, 95% CI 88% to 100%), Roth maximal count <12 (SP 100%, 95% CI 75% to 100%) and Roth counting time <8 s (SP 93%, 95% CI 66% to 100%) had high SP that could be used to rule in hypoxaemia, but displayed low SN (≤50%).ConclusionsSubjective dyspnoea measures have inadequate accuracy for ruling out hypoxaemia in high-risk patients with COVID-19. Safe home management of patients with COVID-19 should incorporate home oxygenation saturation monitoring.

Eccentric cycling ergometer to address skeletal muscle dysfunction in hospitalised patients: ergometer design, construction and demonstration

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-191
Author(s):  
Mathew Doyle ◽  
Marc Brown ◽  
Lucy Kemp ◽  
Peter McLennan ◽  
Gregory Peoples
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Minute Ventilation ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Cycle Ergometer ◽  
Tissue Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Metabolic Efficiency ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Hospitalised Patients

PurposeContinuous eccentric cycling has demonstrated metabolic efficiency when compared with equivalent concentric workloads. The profile of continuous eccentric cycling is well suited to hospitalised patients, however, its application has been restricted to outpatient settings as ergometers appropriate for the acute setting are currently unavailable. The aim of this study was to construct an eccentric cycle ergometer specifically for use in an acute care hospital ward and demonstrate its performance in healthy subjects.MethodsAn eccentric cycle ergometer (asynchronous 125 W motor) was constructed with strain gauge technology (SRM PowerMetre) to allow instantaneous biofeedback to the user. Ten healthy participants (20–64 years) were used to test the capacity of the ergometer to maintain consistent force production (repeated 5 min duration) with appropriate physiology responses (heart rate, minute ventilation, arterial saturation, electromyography and muscle tissue oxygen saturation) for low to moderate eccentric workloads.ResultsEccentric power output was consistently achieved without mechanical or ergonomic issues for two workloads (31.1±5.7 W and 56.6±8.8 W, respectively). Participant heart rate (rest: 68±13 bpm) and minute ventilation (rest: 12.4±3.5 L/min) increased incrementally with workload 1 (HR: 83±16 bpm VE: 21.76±6.5 L.min-1, p<0.001 vs rest) and workload 2 (HR: 94±14 bpm VE: 26.5±8.9 L/min, p<0.001 vs rest) while local muscle oxygen saturation remained unchanged for both workloads.ConclusionThis study describes the successful construction of an eccentric cycle ergometer and demonstrated the efficacy of the ergometer to deliver constant eccentric workloads in healthy adults. Eccentric cycling could be potentially provided to hospitalised patients using this ergometer.

scholarly journals Improving transitions from acute care to home among complex older adults using the LACE Index and care coordination

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e000814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley Charles ◽  
Lisa Jensen ◽  
Jacqueline M I Torti ◽  
Jasneet Parmar ◽  
Bonnie Dobbs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Care Coordination ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
High Risk Patients ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Risk Patients

BackgroundImproving transitions in care is a major focus of healthcare planning. The objective of this study was to determine the improvement in transitions from an intervention identifying complex older adult patients in acute care and supporting their discharge into the community.MethodsThis was a quality assurance study evaluating an intervention on high-risk patients admitted in an acute care hospital. In phase 1, the Length of Stay, Acuity of the Admission, Charlson Comorbidity Index Score, and Emergency Department Use (LACE Index) was selected to assess a patient’s risk for readmission and a standard discharge protocol was developed. In phase 2, the intervention was implemented: (1) all patients were screened for the risk of readmission using the LACE Index; and (2) the high-risk patients were provided care coordination including follow-up phone calls focused on medications, equipment and homecare services. Emergency department (ED) revisits and hospital readmissions were measured.ResultsThe LACE Index identified 433/1621 (27%) patients at high risk for readmission. Care coordination was achieved within 72 hours in 79% of patients. The 433 high-risk patients receiving the intervention, compared with a group without intervention (n=231), had lower lengths of stay (12.7 days vs 16.6 days); similar 7-day ED revisits (10.6% vs 10.8%) and 30-day ED revisits (30.5% vs 33.3%); lower 90-day readmissions (39.3% vs 44.6%); and lower 6-month readmissions (50.9% vs 58.4%). The 7-day and 30-day readmissions were similar in both groups.ConclusionsIdentifying complex patients at high risk for readmission and supporting them during transitions from acute care to home potentially decreases lengths of hospital stay and prevents short-term ED revisits and long-term readmissions.

Comparative Evaluation of Malnutrition Screening in Oncology Patients in an Acute Care Hospital: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sinha Chandni Sen ◽  
LaSalle Colette ◽  
Argabright Debra ◽  
Hollenbeck Clarie B
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Comparative Evaluation ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Oncology Patients

A Taxonomy for Psycho-Oncological Intervention Techniques in an Acute Care Hospital in Germany

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Martina Madl ◽  
Marietta Lieb ◽  
Katharina Schieber ◽  
Tobias Hepp ◽  
Yesim Erim
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care ◽  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Certification System ◽  
Stepwise Procedure ◽  
Further Development

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Due to the establishment of a nationwide certification system for cancer centers in Germany, the availability of psycho-oncological services for cancer patients has increased substantially. However, little is known about the specific intervention techniques that are applied during sessions in an acute care hospital, since a standardized taxonomy is lacking. With this study, we aimed at the investigation of psycho-oncological intervention techniques and the development of a comprehensive and structured taxonomy thereof. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In a stepwise procedure, a team of psycho-oncologists generated a data pool of interventions and definitions that were tested in clinical practice during a pilot phase. After an adaptation of intervention techniques, interrater reliability (IRR) was attained by rating 10 previously recorded psycho-oncological sessions. A classification of interventions into superordinate categories was performed, supported by cluster analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Between April and June 2017, 980 psycho-oncological sessions took place. The experts agreed on a total number of 22 intervention techniques. An IRR of 89% for 2 independent psycho-oncological raters was reached. The 22 techniques were classified into 5 superordinate categories. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> We developed a comprehensive and structured taxonomy of psycho-oncological intervention techniques in an acute care hospital that provides a standardized basis for systematic research and applied care. We expect our work to be continuously subjected to further development: future research should evaluate and expand our taxonomy to other contexts and care settings.

scholarly journals How Physicians Manage Medical Uncertainty: A Qualitative Study and Conceptual Taxonomy

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272989X2199234
Author(s):  
Paul K. J. Han ◽  
Tania D. Strout ◽  
Caitlin Gutheil ◽  
Carl Germann ◽  
Brian King ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Uncertainty Management ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Tolerance Of Uncertainty ◽  
Medical Uncertainty

Background Medical uncertainty is a pervasive and important problem, but the strategies physicians use to manage it have not been systematically described. Objectives To explore the uncertainty management strategies employed by physicians practicing in acute-care hospital settings and to organize these strategies within a conceptual taxonomy that can guide further efforts to understand and improve physicians’ tolerance of medical uncertainty. Design Qualitative study using individual in-depth interviews. Participants Convenience sample of 22 physicians and trainees (11 attending physicians, 7 residents [postgraduate years 1–3), 4 fourth-year medical students), working within 3 medical specialties (emergency medicine, internal medicine, internal medicine–pediatrics), at a single large US teaching hospital. Measurements Semistructured interviews explored participants’ strategies for managing medical uncertainty and temporal changes in their uncertainty tolerance. Inductive qualitative analysis of audio-recorded interview transcripts was conducted to identify and categorize key themes and to develop a coherent conceptual taxonomy of uncertainty management strategies. Results Participants identified various uncertainty management strategies that differed in their primary focus: 1) ignorance-focused, 2) uncertainty-focused, 3) response-focused, and 4) relationship-focused. Ignorance- and uncertainty-focused strategies were primarily curative (aimed at reducing uncertainty), while response- and relationship-focused strategies were primarily palliative (aimed at ameliorating aversive effects of uncertainty). Several participants described a temporal evolution in their tolerance of uncertainty, which coincided with the development of greater epistemic maturity, humility, flexibility, and openness. Conclusions Physicians and physician-trainees employ a variety of uncertainty management strategies focused on different goals, and their tolerance of uncertainty evolves with the development of several key capacities. More work is needed to understand and improve the management of medical uncertainty by physicians, and a conceptual taxonomy can provide a useful organizing framework for this work.

scholarly journals Factors associated with the decision to prescribe and administer antipsychotics for older people with delirium: a qualitative descriptive study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e047247
Author(s):  
Emily J Tomlinson ◽  
Helen Rawson ◽  
Elizabeth Manias ◽  
Nicole (Nikki) M Phillips ◽  
Peteris Darzins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Older People ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Nursing Workload ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Antipsychotic Medications ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive

ObjectivesTo explore factors associated with decision-making of nurses and doctors in prescribing and administering as required antipsychotic medications to older people with delirium.DesignQualitative descriptive.SettingTwo acute care hospital organisations in Melbourne, Australia.ParticipantsNurses and doctors were invited to participate. Semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews were conducted between May 2019 and March 2020. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants were 42 health professionals; n=25 nurses and n=17 doctors. Themes relating to decisions to use antipsychotic medication were: safety; a last resort; nursing workload; a dilemma to medicate; and anticipating worsening behaviours. Nurses and doctors described experiencing pressures when trying to manage hyperactive behaviours. Safety was a major concern leading to the decision to use antipsychotics. Antipsychotics were often used as chemical restraints to ‘sedate’ a patient with delirium because nurses ‘can’t do their job’. Results also indicated that nurses had influence over doctors’ decisions despite nurses being unaware of this influence. Health professionals’ descriptions are illustrated in a decision-making flowchart that identifies how nurses and doctors navigated decisions regarding prescription and administration of antipsychotic medications.ConclusionsThe decision to prescribe and administer antipsychotic medications for people with delirium is complex as nurses and doctors must navigate multiple factors before making the decision. Collaborative support and multidisciplinary teamwork are required by both nurses and doctors to optimally care for people with delirium. Decision-making support for nurses and doctors may also help to navigate the multiple factors that influence the decision to prescribe antipsychotics.

scholarly journals Timing and Route of Contamination of Patient Rooms With Healthcare-Associated Pathogens

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s412-s412
Author(s):  
Sarah Redmond ◽  
Jennifer Cadnum ◽  
Basya Pearlmutter ◽  
Natalia Pinto Herrera ◽  
Curtis Donskey
Keyword(s):  
Acute Care Hospital ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Portable Devices ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Spa Typing ◽  
Persistent Problem ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: Transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a persistent problem in healthcare facilities despite current control measures. A better understanding of the routes of pathogen transmission is needed to develop effective control measures. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study in an acute-care hospital to identify the timing and route of transfer of pathogens to rooms of newly admitted patients with negative MRSA nares results and no known carriage of other healthcare-associated pathogens. Rooms were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to patient admission. Interactions of patients with personnel and portable equipment were observed, and serial cultures for pathogens were collected from the skin of patients and from surfaces, including those observed to come in contact with personnel and equipment. For MRSA, spa typing was used to determine relatedness of patient and environmental isolates. Results: For the 17 patients enrolled, 1 or more environmental cultures became positive for MRSA in rooms of 10 patients (59%), for C. difficile in rooms of 2 patients (12%) and for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in rooms of 2 patients (12%). The patients interacted with an average of 2.4 personnel and 0.6 portable devices per hour of observation. As shown in Figure 1, MRSA contamination of the floor occurred rapidly as personnel entered the room. In a subset of patients, MRSA was subsequently recovered from patients’ socks and bedding and ultimately from the high-touch surfaces in the room (tray table, call button, bedrail). For several patients, MRSA isolates recovered from the floor had the same spa type as isolates subsequently recovered from other sites (eg, socks, bedding, and/or high touch surfaces). The direct transfer of healthcare-associated pathogens from personnel or equipment to high-touch surfaces was not detected. Conclusions: Healthcare-associated pathogens rapidly accumulate on the floor of patient rooms and can be transferred to the socks and bedding of patients and to high-touch surfaces. Healthcare facility floors may be an underappreciated source of pathogen dissemination not addressed by current infection control measures.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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