Initiation of Buprenorphine/Naloxone on Rates of Discharge Against Medical Advice

2020 ◽  
pp. 001857872098543
Author(s):  
Lindsey B. Kays ◽  
Emily D. Steltenpohl ◽  
Chelsey M. McPheeters ◽  
Emily K. Frederick ◽  
Laura B. Bishop

Objective: Evidence shows that patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) have an increased rate of discharge against medical advice (DAMA) as well as higher rates of hospital readmission. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if inpatient initiation of buprenorphine/naloxone in patients with OUD is associated with decreased rates of DAMA. Methods: This was a single center retrospective cohort study conducted at a level 1, academic medical center. The study included patients with OUD admitted to the Internal Medicine service from January through May of both 2018 and 2019 for an admitting diagnosis other than opioid withdrawal. The primary endpoint was rate of DAMA among OUD patients not initiated on opioid agonist therapy compared to those initiated on buprenorphine/naloxone. The secondary endpoint was the association between factors of the initiation process on rates of DAMA. Patients were excluded if they were discharged in less than 24 hours or received intermittent administration of buprenorphine/naloxone. Results: The rate of DAMA in OUD patients not initiated on buprenorphine/naloxone was 13.85% compared to 2.56% in those initiated on buprenorphine/naloxone ( P = .048). Conclusion: In OUD patients initiated on buprenorphine/naloxone, the rate of DAMA was significantly lower than those who were not. This data supports the importance of optimizing the opportunity to initiate buprenorphine/naloxone in the acute care setting to minimize withdrawal symptoms therefore reducing the rate of DAMA. Ultimately increasing the ability to adequately treat the primary reason for admission and potentially decreasing readmission rates. Further studies are needed to evaluate this impact as this study is limited to a small sample size therefore lacking adequate power.

Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor Crowley ◽  
Peter Clardy ◽  
Jessica McCannon ◽  
Rebecca Logiudice

Introduction: Compliance to ACLS cardiac arrest algorithm is low and associated with worse outcomes from in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA). Reasons for non-compliance include reduced communication due to chaotic nature of IHCAs and difficulty timing epinephrine administration and rhythm check intervals. Hypothesis: Delegating two separate code team members for rhythm and epinephrine timing will increase adherence to ACLS algorithm during IHCAs. Methods: This is a pre-post interventional study of IHCAs at a single academic medical center. Two stopwatches were placed on all code carts and two new timekeeping roles were created. Education was provided to staff regarding the alteration of existing code team member roles for the use of stopwatches. Algorithm adherence was analyzed pre and post implementation of timekeeper roles. Deviation from the 2-minute rhythm check or 3-5-minute epinephrine administration was counted as one deviation. Anonymous surveys were delivered to evaluate providers perceived benefits of timekeeper roles for IHCAs. Results: Data from 13 pre intervention IHCAs were compared to 12 IHCAs post intervention. The initial rhythm was PEA/asystole in 69% pre-intervention vs 83% post intervention. Prior to implementation 82 deviations vs. 11 deviations post implementation occurred (p=0.006). The mean time until first dose of epinephrine was administered pre intervention was 2.3 ± 3.3 minutes vs 0.4 ±1 minute post. Pre-implementation ROSC rate was 53.8% vs. 66.7% post intervention. Surveys were delivered to 100% of code team members post intervention, with a 79% response rate. Surveys demonstrate providers felt time keeping roles made it easier to track epinephrine administration and rhythm checks. On a Likert scale, 78% of providers “strongly agree” that the use of timekeeping roles and devices improved code team communication. Conclusion: Two separate timekeeper roles during IHCAs improved algorithm compliance, code team function and communication, and was favored by code team members. Timekeeper roles may be associated with improved rates of ROSC and less time until the first dose of epinephrine is administered. This study is limited by its small sample size, single center and requires validation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 05 (03) ◽  
pp. 173-176
Author(s):  
Kathleen W. Nissman ◽  
Ali R. Zomorodi ◽  
Dhanesh K. Gupta ◽  
Ishwori Dhakal ◽  
Yi-Ju Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Little evidence exists for superiority of neurosurgical outcomes from care subspecialization. Outcomes of a single neurosurgeon after complex vascular neurosurgery in an academic medical center were compared against those in a community hospital. Methods In this retrospective analysis of extracranial-intracranial vascular bypass operations performed between July 1, 2013 and February 1, 2015, cases were identified by cross-referencing the electronic medical record with the surgeon's own records. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative variables were abstracted from cases performed at a tertiary center and a community hospital. Dichotomous postoperative data recorded included extubation in the operating room (OR), readmission, and survival to discharge, and length of stay was also analyzed. Due to small sample size and low readmission rate, Firth's penalized likelihood tests were incorporated in the logistic regression model for parameter estimation and testing. Results A total of 28 hemispheres in 26 patients were included: 18 hemispheres in 16 patients at the tertiary center and 10 hemispheres in 9 patients at the community hospital. Differences were found in operative time (tertiary mean: 7.21 + 2.5 hours, community mean: 5.19 + 0.9 hours, p = 0.0074) and readmission to the tertiary center (p = 0.078). However, significant difference was observed only for anesthetic type (more likely to include remifentanil and propofol at the tertiary center, p = 0.0104). Conclusion Subspecialty care alone may be insufficient to enhance outcome after complex neurosurgical procedures.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 986
Author(s):  
Byeong-Keon Moon ◽  
Ryeok Ahn ◽  
Deulle Min ◽  
JaeLan Shim

Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) and readmissions are important issues worldwide and can lead to adverse clinical outcomes, financial burden, and exposure of healthcare workers to unintended medical disputes. This study aimed to identify factors that affect readmissions within 48 h after DAMA. This retrospective study utilized the medical records of patients who visited an emergency medical center in Korea for treatment and were readmitted during a 10-year period. Factors predicting readmission after being DAMA were identified using logistic regression analysis. The total number of patients who were DAMA during the study period was 5445, of which 351 were readmitted to the emergency department within 48 h (6.4%). Factors influencing readmission included medical aid (odds ratio (OR) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46–2.83) and foreign worker insurance (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.04–4.09) as their health insurance, as well as presenting for readmission by car (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.08–1.82). Healthcare workers should treat patients who are DAMA and those who are likely to return with a more careful and preventative management strategy so that potential clinical, legal, and economic impacts of DAMA can be mitigated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Fariba Azizzadeh ◽  
Solmaz Pourranjbar

Objectives: Patient satisfaction is an issue that has attracted increasing attention to the health industry today. Discharge against medical advice (DAMA) is one of the symptoms of patient dissatisfaction that has adverse effects on patient treatment and increases hospital costs. The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of DAMA by patients admitted to Sina educational and therapeutic center (one of the teaching hospitals of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences) and finally to provide strategies for reducing DAMA. Material and Methods: This study is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data gathering tool is in-depth interviews. The study population consisted of all patients who completed the DAMA form in 2017 and left the hospital with their satisfaction. The sampling method was purposeful and interviewing. The method of analysis is thematic analysis. Results: Final findings indicate that the rate of DAMA in Sina training and medical center has a significant proportion that needs intervention and evaluation. Most of the patients in this study were male, non-native of Tabriz, admitted to surgery, discharged in the morning shift, as well as average stay over 2 days. The reasons for DAMA after an interview with patients were classified into three themes: (1) Problems with the patient, (2) problems with care issues, and (3) problems with hospital facilities. Conclusion: The most common reasons for DAMA in Sina educational and medical center were problems related to the patient.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18;4 (4;18) ◽  
pp. E633-E641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivana Stetkarova

Background: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) delivered by programmable pump devices represents an important modality for long-term treatment of severe spinal spasticity. Objective: One of the serious adverse events is a withdrawal syndrome after sudden interruption of ITB delivery. In this study, we analyzed the frequency and severity of this complication. Treatment recommendations follow. Study Design: Case study Setting: Academic medical center. Methods: A total of 54 ITB pumps were successfully implanted in 39 patients with severe intractable spasticity (24 with spinal cord injury, 15 with multiple sclerosis, 24 men, age range 21 – 59 years). Results: Eight patients developed a withdrawal syndrome on total a daily dose of ITB between 90 – 420 µg/day. Seven patients had catheter-related complications. In one patient, pump failure was observed due to its corrosion. Within the group, baclofen withdrawal syndrome occurred once in 20.1 pump-years counted out of 160.4 pump-years of ITB treatment. Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusions: ITB withdrawal syndrome is a rare but life-threatening event and prompt diagnosis before treatment initiation is critical. The reported events were mostly mild due to the acute treatment regime and probably due to a lower dose of ITB. A prerequisite for successful ITB treatment is a deep knowledge of complications and their prompt management in the hands of a multidisciplinary team in specialized centers. Key words: Spasticity, intrathecal baclofen, pump systems, complications, withdrawal syndrome


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S152-S152
Author(s):  
Stephanie Spivack ◽  
Daniel Mueller ◽  
Peter Axelrod ◽  
Joseph D’Orazio

Abstract Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for infectious complications of their injection practices, including Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremia. Prolonged hospitalization is sometimes required; however, rates of discharges against medical advice (AMA) are elevated in this patient population. Inadequate control of pain and opioid withdrawal are commonly cited. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of addiction medicine consultation for preventing AMA discharges. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of adult PWID admitted to an urban hospital with SA bacteremia between August 2016 and May 2018. Demographics, HIV and HCV status, and presence or absence of addiction medicine consultation were recorded. We assessed whether discharges were planned or AMA; the number of hospitalizations at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year from index admission; and death within one year. EpiInfo6 was used for data analysis. Results A total of 360 patients with SA bacteremia were reviewed. Of these, 101 reported intravenous opioid use at admission. Average age was 37 years, and 64% were male. HIV and HCV were present in 13% and 82% of patients, respectively. Addiction medicine was consulted on 29 patients. Of these, 4/29 (13.8%) left AMA, compared to 27/72 (37.5%) of patients without an addiction consult (RR = 0.3678 [95% CI = 0.1412 - 0.9583], p = 0.02). Patients receiving addiction medicine consultation averaged 0.17 readmissions within 30 days of their index admission, compared to 0.39 readmissions in the group without addiction medicine consult (p = 0.27). Readmissions at 90 days and 1 year were also lower but not statistically significant. At 1 year, 6 deaths were observed; 2 who had addiction medicine consultation and 4 who did not. Conclusion Consultation with an addiction medicine specialist significantly reduced the number of patients discharged AMA in a high-risk cohort of PWID presenting with SA bacteremia. Numerically fewer readmissions occurred after consultation, though this difference was not statistically significant. Mortality in both groups was low. There were high rates of HIV and HCV in this patient population, suggesting a particularly vulnerable patient population, which warrants further study. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Asseel Albayati ◽  
Steven Douedi ◽  
Abbas Alshami ◽  
Mohammad A. Hossain ◽  
Shuvendu Sen ◽  
...  

Background: A patient decides to leave the hospital against medical advice. Is this an erratic eccentric behavior of the patient, or a gap in the quality of care provided by the hospital? With a significant and increasing prevalence of up to 1–2% of all hospital admissions, leaving against medical advice affects both the patient and the healthcare provider. We hereby explore this persistent problem in the healthcare system. We searched Medline and PubMed within the last 10 years, using the keywords “discharge against medical advice,” “DAMA,” “leave against medical advice,” and “AMA.” We retrospectively reviewed 49 articles in our project. Ishikawa fishbone root cause analysis (RCA) was employed to explore reasons for leaving against medical advice (AMA). This report presents the results of the RCA and highlights the consequences of discharge against medical advice (DAMA). In addition, the article explores preventive strategies, as well as interventions to ameliorate leaving AMA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Feras H. Abuzeyad ◽  
Moonis Farooq ◽  
Salah Farhat Alam ◽  
Mudhaffar Ismael Ibrahim ◽  
Luma Bashmi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients discharged against medical advice (DAMA) act as a high-risk population for the Emergency Department (ED), regardless of their presentations, and can pose a serious burden for the hospital. This study examines the prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics, reasons, and clinical outcomes of a small sample of DAMA patients in a teaching university hospital, including readmission, morbidity, and mortality. Methods A prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the ED of King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) with 98,992 patient visits during a 1-year period from June 2018 to June 2019. Consenting DAMA patients were asked to complete a data collection form. Results Patients (n = 413) had a mean age of 44.1 years with a female majority (57.1%). The majority were categorized as triage level-3 (87.7%). The main reasons for DAMA included refusal of the procedure/operation (23.2%), long ED waiting time (22.2%), subjective improvement with treatment (17.7%), and children at home (14.8%), whereas the least selected reason was dissatisfaction with medical care (1.2%). Follow-up of DAMA patients revealed that 86 cases (20.8%) were readmitted to the ED within 72 h of which 41 (47.7%) cases were morbidity and 2 (2.3%) were mortality. Marital status was a predictor of DAMA patients who revisit the ED within 72 h. Conclusion The results act as a pilot study to examine a small sample of DAMA patients’ characteristics, diagnosis, and ED revisits. Hospitals should investigate further the DAMA population on a larger scale, reasons for refusing procedures, and utilize this knowledge to improve the healthcare process.


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