scholarly journals COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle changes: A United Kingdom (UK) retrospective case-control study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Alvergne ◽  
Gabriella Kountourides ◽  
Austin Argentieri ◽  
Lisa Agyen ◽  
Natalie Rogers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Menstrual Bleeding ◽  
White Background ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
The Uk

Objectives. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate the prevalence of menstrual changes following vaccination against COVID-19, (2) to test potential risk factors for any such changes, and (3) to identify patterns of symptoms in participants' written accounts. Design. A secondary analysis of a retrospective online survey titled The Covid-19 Pandemic and Women's Reproductive Health , conducted in March 2021 in the UK before widespread media attention regarding potential impacts of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on menstruation. Setting. Participants were recruited via a Facebook ad campaign in the UK. Participants. Eligibility criteria for survey completion were age greater than 18 years, having ever menstruated and currently living in the UK. In total, 26,710 people gave consent and completed the survey. For this analysis we selected 4,989 participants who were pre-menopausal and vaccinated. These participants were aged 28 to 43, predominantly from England (81%), of white background (95%) and not using hormonal contraception (58%). Main outcome measure. Reports of any menstrual changes (yes/no) following COVID-19 vaccination and words used to describe menstrual changes. Results. Among pre-menopausal vaccinated individuals (n=4,989), 80% did not report any menstrual cycle changes up to 4 months after their first COVID-19 vaccine injection. Current use of combined oral contraceptives was associated with lower odds of reporting any changes by 48% (OR = 0.52, 95CI = [0.34 to 0.78], P<0.001). Odds of reporting any menstrual changes were increased by 44% for current smokers (OR = 1.16, 95CI = [1.06 to 1.26], P<0.01) and by more than 50% for individuals with a positive COVID status [Long Covid (OR = 1.61, 95CI = [1.28 to 2.02], P<0.001), acute COVID (OR = 1.54, 95CI = [1.27 to 1.86], P<0.001)]. The effects remain after adjusting for self-reported magnitude of menstrual cycle changes over the year preceding the survey. Written accounts report diverse symptoms; the most common words include 'cramps', 'late', 'early', 'spotting', 'heavy' and 'irregular', with a low level of clustering among them. Conclusions. Following vaccination for COVID-19, menstrual disturbance occurred in 20% of individuals in a UK sample. Out of 33 variables investigated, smoking and a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection are found to be risk factors while using oestradiol-containing contraceptives was found to be a protective factor. Diverse experiences were reported, from menstrual bleeding cessation to heavy menstrual bleeding.

scholarly journals Burnout amongst neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Liber Salloum ◽  
Phillip Correia Copley ◽  
Marco Mancuso-Marcello ◽  
John Emelifeonwu ◽  
Chandrasekaran Kaliaperumal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Workplace Bullying ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Workplace Stressors ◽  
Potential Risk Factors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Enhance Patient Care

Abstract Introduction Burnout is becoming an increasingly recognised phenomenon within the medical profession. This study aims to investigate the presence of burnout amongst neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland as well as investigating potential exacerbating and protective factors. Method An online survey was sent to all neurosurgical trainees in the UK and Ireland via the British Neurosurgical Trainees’ Association (BNTA) mailing list. Responding participants anonymously completed the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and answered questions about known risk factors for burnout including workplace environment, workplace bullying, time spent on leisure activities and sleep and reported likelihood of leaving neurosurgery. We also collated data on responders’ demographics. We compared CBI scores for participants with and without risk factors to determine correlation with CBI. Results There were 75 respondents (response rate 42%) from a range of ages and all training grades, 72% of whom were male. The median CBI score was 38.85 (IQR 17.76). Participants showed a higher degree of personal and workplace burnout (median CBIs of 47.02, IQR 25.00; and 49.14, IQR 19.64, respectively) compared with patient-related burnout (median CBI 18.67, IQR 25.00). Participants with the following self-reported risk factors were significantly more likely to have higher CBIs: workplace bullying (p = 0.01), getting on less well with colleagues (p < 0.05), working longer hours (p < 0.05) and insufficient sleep, exercise and leisure time (all p < 0.01). Those with higher CBI scores were more likely to consider leaving neurosurgical training (p = 0.01). Conclusion We identified a high burnout incidence in a cohort representative of UK neurosurgical trainees, although our results may have been skewed somewhat by selection bias. We determined potential risk factors for burnout related to specific workplace stressors and time for non-work activities. In the future, changes to training curricula should address these issues, aiming to improve training, enhance patient care and reduce attrition rates.

scholarly journals Psychological distress and resilience in a sample of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Jacobson ◽  
Rebecca Mulholland ◽  
Nicola Miller ◽  
Laura Baker ◽  
Daniel Glazer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBACKGROUNDAdolescents and young people (AYA) with cancer are at greater risk of psychological distress which can impact treatment. COVID-19 has resulted in changes to cancer care delivery and AYA have been disproportionately affected by economic and educational effects of COVID-19, potentially impacting on mental health. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on AYA with cancer is important to inform care.METHODSOnline survey of 16-24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at 8 cancer centres in the UK in December 2020. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships and used the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-8), 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD) and the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC).RESULTS112 AYA participated (17.8% of total eligible). 62.8% were female, 67.3% were 21-24 years. 83% were white. 59.8% had previously experienced mental health difficulties. 67.9% received cancer treatment during the pandemic and 33.9% were diagnosed during the pandemic. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on their life, 55.4% on their key relationship and 39.3% on their treatment. 79% reported experiencing some degree of increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% for GADS-7. Self-report of impact on life was associated with greater anxiety during COVID-19 and moderate-severe PHQ-8 score (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.52 to 19.40, p <0.01; OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.65 to 16.56, p < 0.01). Impact on relationships was associated with greater anxiety and moderate-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32 to 15.17, p<0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.25, p =0.03). Greater CD-RISC score was associated with lower risk of anxiety and mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.81, p <0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4 to 0.72, p <0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.69, p <0.01)CONCLUSIONSWe found high levels of psychological distress in AYA with cancer, which is important knowledge for clinical teams working with this age group. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a potential protective factor.

scholarly journals Clinical trial recruiters’ experiences working with trial eligibility criteria: results of an exploratory, cross-sectional, online survey in the UK

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Cragg ◽  
Kathryn McMahon ◽  
Jamie B. Oughton ◽  
Rachel Sigsworth ◽  
Christopher Taylor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Clinical Trial Design ◽  
Research Unit ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Protocol Development ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background Eligibility criteria are a fundamental element of clinical trial design, defining who can and who should not participate in a trial. Problems with the design or application of criteria are known to occur and pose risks to participants’ safety and trial integrity, sometimes also negatively impacting on trial recruitment and generalisability. We conducted a short, exploratory survey to gather evidence on UK recruiters’ experiences interpreting and applying eligibility criteria and their views on how criteria are communicated and developed. Methods Our survey included topics informed by a wider programme of work at the Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Leeds, on assuring eligibility criteria quality. Respondents were asked to answer based on all their trial experience, not only on experiences with our trials. The survey was disseminated to recruiters collaborating on trials run at our trials unit, and via other mailing lists and social media. The quantitative responses were descriptively analysed, with inductive analysis of free-text responses to identify themes. Results A total of 823 eligible respondents participated. In total, 79% of respondents reported finding problems with eligibility criteria in some trials, and 9% in most trials. The main themes in the types of problems experienced were criteria clarity (67% of comments), feasibility (34%), and suitability (14%). In total, 27% of those reporting some level of problem said these problems had led to patients being incorrectly included in trials; 40% said they had led to incorrect exclusions. Most respondents (56%) reported accessing eligibility criteria mainly in the trial protocol. Most respondents (74%) supported the idea of recruiter review of eligibility criteria earlier in the protocol development process. Conclusions Our survey corroborates other evidence about the existence of suboptimal trial eligibility criteria. Problems with clarity were the most often reported, but the number of comments on feasibility and suitability suggest some recruiters feel eligibility criteria and associated assessments can hinder recruitment to trials. Our proposal for more recruiter involvement in protocol development has strong support and some potential benefits, but questions remain about how best to implement this. We invite other trialists to consider our other suggestions for how to assure quality in trial eligibility criteria.

Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections Following Neurosurgical Spinal Fusion Operations: A Case Control Study

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 340-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Walsh ◽  
Ashley M. Querry ◽  
Sheila McCool ◽  
Alison L. Galdys ◽  
Kathleen A. Shutt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Spinal Fusion ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Control Study

OBJECTIVETo determine risk factors for the development of surgical site infections (SSIs) in neurosurgery patients undergoing spinal fusion.DESIGNRetrospective case-control study.SETTINGLarge, academic, quaternary care center.PATIENTSThe study population included all neurosurgery patients who underwent spinal fusion between August 1, 2009, and August 31, 2013. Cases were defined as patients in the study cohort who developed an SSI. Controls were patients in the study cohort who did not develop an SSI.METHODSTo achieve 80% power with an ability to detect an odds ratio (OR) of 2, we performed an unmatched case-control study with equal numbers of cases and controls.RESULTSDuring the study period, 5,473 spinal fusion procedures were performed by neurosurgeons in our hospital. With 161 SSIs recorded during the study period, the incidence of SSIs associated with these procedures was 2.94%. While anterior surgical approach was found to be a protective factor (OR, 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–0.52), duration of procedure (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.29–1.93), American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or 4 (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.00–3.18), and hospitalization within the prior 30 days (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.37–24.57) were found in multivariate analysis to be independent predictors of SSI following spinal fusion. Prior methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nares colonization was highly associated with odds 20 times higher of SSI following spinal fusion (OR, 20.30; 95% CI, 4.64–8.78).CONCLUSIONSIn additional to nonmodifiable risk factors, prior colonization with MRSA is a modifiable risk factor very strongly associated with development of SSI following spinal fusion.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:348–352

scholarly journals Risk factors of acute confusional syndrome in elderly hospitalized in the Hospital Reina Sofía of Murcia. Retrospective case and controls

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Rodado ◽  
Irine Aragon
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Source Population ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
History Of ◽  
Transversal Study ◽  
Special Relevance ◽  
Control Study

Background: Acute confusional syndrome is a current problem of special relevance among elderlypatients admitted to hospital medical services. The determination of its risk factors is an essential process in the development and implementation of programs to prevent this complication. Methods: With the mentioned aim we have carried out this case-control study as an analytical, observational, retrospective and transversal study, whose source population was integrated by 60 patients over age 65 according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into two groups: with and without delirium. Discussion: Our analysis has confirmed the association between these factors and delirium: illness severity; previous history of Delirium (OR 10.6); mental status (OR 7.3); high risk medications (OR 6.9); renal failure (OR 6.5); medication at risk added (OR 6); physical status (OR 5.2); use of neuroleptics (OR5.1); anemia (OR 4.75); sodium alterations (OR 4.5); urinary catheter (OR 3.8); low albumin (OR 3.7); infection (OR 3.1). Conclusion: There is no relationship proved between acute confusional syndrom and the following factors: use of benzodiazepines, aggressive procedures, immobility, old age, dementia, diminished ADL skills, co-morbidity and polypharmacy, even if they have been identified as risk factors in previous studies. Hence, these results should be interpreted with caution.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0254364
Author(s):  
Medbh Hillyard ◽  
Marlene Sinclair ◽  
Marie Murphy ◽  
Karen Casson ◽  
Ciara Mulligan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Health Initiatives ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Background The aim of this study was to understand how physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes in the UK have been affected by COVID-19. Methods An online survey exploring physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes during COVID-19 was distributed through social media platforms. Women who had been pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak and had gestational diabetes, were resident in the UK, were 18 years old or over and could understand written English were invited to take part. Results A total of 724 women accessed the survey, 553 of these met the eligibility criteria and took part in the survey. Sedentary time increased for 79% of the women during the pandemic. Almost half of the women (47%) were meeting the physical activity guidelines pre COVID-19 during their pregnancy, this dropped to 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of leaving the house due to COVID-19 was the most commonly reported reason for the decline. Significant associations were found between meeting the physical activity guidelines during COVID-19 and educational attainment, fitness equipment ownership and knowledge of how to exercise safely in pregnancy. Conclusions and implications These results show the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels and highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives as the pandemic continues and for future lockdowns. Women with gestational diabetes need to know how it is safe and beneficial to them to engage in physical activity and ways to do this from their homes if fear of leaving the house due to COVID-19 is a barrier for them. Online physical activity classes provided by certified trainers in physical activity for pregnant women may help them remain active when face-to-face appointments are reduced and limited additional resources are available.

scholarly journals Adverse Psychological Reactions and Psychological Aids for Medical Staff During the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinji Su ◽  
Xiaoyun Ma ◽  
Shun Liu ◽  
Shaogang Liu ◽  
Bernard A. Goodman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Reactions ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Background: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 caused panic and psychological stress throughout the World. We investigated the extent of adverse psychological reactions in two medical staff groups in China, and explored the importance of online psychological assistance for them.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey including Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was utilized to assess anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to match sex and age between the two groups. Differences in the prevalence of adverse psychological reactions between the two groups were compared by a Chi-square test. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to search for associated adverse psychological reaction factors of two groups.Results: A total of 2,920 medical staff took part in the survey, including 470 frontline and 2,450 non-frontline medical staff. The risk of the frontline group experiencing anxiety, depression, insomnia-early, insomnia-middle, and insomnia-late were 1.16, 1.28, 1.26, 1.22, 1.28 times those of the non-frontline group after PSM. For frontline medical staff, the spinsterhood state (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.00–1.51; P = 0.05) was a risk factor for anxiety. Bachelor or college degree (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.24–4.02, P = 0.01) and a contact history with COVID-19 patients (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.10–2.40; P = 0.02) were risk factors for insomnia. For non-frontline medical staff, being a woman (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08–2.06, P = 0.01) was a risk factor for anxiety, whilst being in a middle age group was a protective factor for anxiety (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50–0.99, P = 0.04) and depression (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45–0.93, P = 0.02). Being a woman (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.14–1.89, P = 0.003) and working in a COVID-19 unit (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11–1.54, P = 0.001) were risk factors for insomnia, whilst the spinsterhood state (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.67–0.95; P = 0.01) was a protective factor for insomnia. Online forms of psychological aid were all popular with medical staff.Conclusions: The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in frontline medical staff was significantly higher than in the non-frontline group. Appropriate intervention methods should be adopted according to the different influencing factors of the two groups. Online psychological aid was the preferred mechanism for relieving psychological problems.

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Anxiety of Adolescents Aged 13–16 Years: A Comparative Analysis of Longitudinal Data From China

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Qin ◽  
Yueyue Ding ◽  
Jing Gao ◽  
Yun Wu ◽  
Haitao Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Somatic Anxiety ◽  
Learning Anxiety

Background: Adolescence is an important stage of psychological development, and the psychological and mental problems of many adults are affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The aim of this study was to understand the psychological status of this group during the epidemic, and to determine the risk factors leading to psychological stress, as well as protective factors.Methods: An online survey was run on April 2, 2020. The participants were 254 adolescents aged 13–16 years from a junior high school in Jiangsu, China. The results were compared with the pre-epidemic data, which came from the psychological status survey routinely carried out by the school. Mental health variables were assessed via the Mental Health Test that included one validity subscale and eight content subscales.Results: The number of adolescents with poor mental health increased significantly from 12.3 to 24.2%. There was significant increase in learning anxiety (33.7 vs. 56.4%), sensitivity tendency (19.8 vs. 46%), somatic anxiety (13.9 vs. 40.7%) and phobia tendency (4.4 vs. 10.1%). During the epidemic, there were significant differences between adolescents with normal and poor mental health in family structure, personality, relationship with siblings, daily exercise time, and risk of family members coming in contact with COVID-19. Living in stem family, no siblings, and risk of contracting COVID-19 from family members were significant risk factors for teenagers with poor mental health. Risk of contracting COVID-19 from family members was the most influential risk factor for learning anxiety, self-blaming tendency, sensitivity tendency, and somatic anxiety. Exercising for ≥1 h per day was a significant protective factor for poor mental health.Conclusions: During the COVID-19 epidemic, adolescents aged 13–16 years have had psychosocial problems, especially learning anxiety, sensitivity tendency, somatic anxiety, and phobia tendency, as well as risk factors for developing them. Our study provides insights for potential interventions.

scholarly journals Investigating the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people living with patellofemoral pain in the UK: the Dep-Pf Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 375-382
Author(s):  
James Wride ◽  
Katrina Bannigan
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Patellofemoral Pain ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Patella Dislocation ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background and aims Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common knee condition causing pain around or behind the kneecap which is exacerbated by certain activities. Traditionally it has been viewed as a self-limiting condition. Recent research proves this is not the case and the evidence for poor long-term outcomes is growing. Whilst the evidence base for PFP treatment and the understanding of its aetiology is improving, it remains a complex and difficult to treat condition. In many physical conditions, it has been shown that anxiety and depression negatively affect both their management and duration. It is unclear how prevalent anxiety and depression are in PFP. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people living with PFP in the UK. Methods In order to investigate this, a cross-sectional online survey was undertaken. Four hundred participants with self-reported symptoms of PFP were recruited through a tailored social media campaign, using modified snowball sampling. Eligibility criteria were (i) aged between 18 and 44, (ii) self-reported symptoms of PFP (using accepted criteria) (iii) resident in the UK. Exclusion criteria were previous history of patella dislocation or previous surgery to affected knee. The survey recorded demographic information, previous treatment for both PFP and anxiety and depression, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Ethical approval was gained from a University of Plymouth Ethics Committee. Results Half (49.5%; n=198) of respondents were classified as experiencing anxiety and 20.8% (n=83) as experiencing depression. The levels of anxiety and depression identified in this study are higher than those found in the general population (5.9–7.8% and 3.3–7.8%, respectively). This mirrors results which have been reported in other studies into PFP in different settings and with other musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis and contracted shoulder. Conclusions Anxiety and depression are more common in people living with PFP than in the general population. These findings support the need for greater research into the effects of psychological factors, such as anxiety and depression, in PFP. A key area of future research will be to determine whether these psychological factors affect treatment outcomes in people living with PFP. Implications This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people living with patellofemoral pain in the UK. This study shows that anxiety and depression are very common in people living with patellofemoral pain. The need for further work into the effects of psychological factors in patellofemoral pain is indicated.

Can we predict Acute Medical readmissions using the BOOST tool? A retrospective case note review

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 119-123
Author(s):  
Geraldine A Lee ◽  
◽  
D Freedman ◽  
Penelope Beddoes ◽  
Emily Lyness ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Case Note ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Case Note Review

Background: Readmissions within 30-days of hospital discharge are a problem. The aim was to determine if the Better Outcomes for Older Adults through Safe Transitions (BOOST) risk assessment tool was applicable within the UK. Methods: Patients over 65 readmitted were identified retrospectively via a casenote review. BOOST assessment was applied with 1 point for each risk factor. Results: 324 patients were readmitted (mean age 77 years) with a median of 7 days between discharge and readmission. The median BOOST score was 3 (IQR 2-4) with polypharmacy evident in 88% and prior hospitalisation in 70%. The tool correctly predicted 90% of readmissions using two or more risk factors and 99.1% if one risk factor was included. Conclusion: The BOOST assessment tool appears appropriate in predicting readmissions however further analysis is required to determine its precision.

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