scholarly journals Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Challenges with Frequent Users of Emergency Department Care in Switzerland: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110281
Author(s):  
Patrick Bodenmann ◽  
Miriam Kasztura ◽  
Madison Graells ◽  
Elodie Schmutz ◽  
Oriane Chastonay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Emergency Department Care ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ed Overcrowding ◽  
Ed Visits

Frequent users of emergency departments (FUED; ≥ 5 ED visits/year) commonly cumulate medical, social, and substance use problems requiring complex and sustained care coordination often unavailable in ED. This study aimed to explore ED healthcare providers’ challenges related to FUED care to gain insight into the support and resources required to address FUED complex needs. An online survey was sent to all general adult emergency services within Switzerland (N = 106). Participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they perceived that FUED represented a problem and to describe the main challenges encountered. In total, 208 physicians and nurses from 75 EDs (70.7%) completed the survey. Among the 208 participants, 134 (64%) reported that FUED represented a challenge and 133 described 1 to 5 challenges encountered. A conventional content analysis yielded 4 main categories of perceived challenges. Negative consequences in the ED secondary to FUED’s presence (eg, ED overcrowding, staff helplessness, and fatigue) was the most frequently reported challenge, followed by challenges related to FUEDs’ characteristics (eg, mental health and social problems) leading to healthcare complexity. The third most frequently encountered challenge was related to the ED inappropriateness and inefficiency to address FUEDs’ needs. Finally, challenges related to the lack of FUED healthcare network were the least often mentioned. ED healthcare providers experience a wide range of challenges related to FUED care. These findings suggest that currently EDs nor their staff are equipped to address FUEDs’ complex needs.

scholarly journals Healthcare providers’ perceptions of difficulties related to frequent users of emergency departments

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Grazioli ◽  
M Kasztura ◽  
O Chastonay ◽  
M Graells ◽  
E Schmutz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background Frequent users of emergency department (FUEDs; ≥ 5 ED visits/ year) are often vulnerable individuals cumulating medical, social and substance use problems. FUEDs often require complex and sustained care coordination generally unavailable in ED and are commonly considered contributing to ED crowding. In view of supporting ED health-care providers through specific training and interventions tailored to FUEDs, this study aimed to explore ED healthcare providers’ perceptions of difficulties related to FUEDs. Methods Participants (N = 208) were ED healthcare providers (i.e., nurses, physicians) from 75 university and community hospitals in Switzerland (71% of all EDs) who answered a questionnaire on FUEDs. They were asked to indicate the extent to which FUEDs represent a problem in their ED. Perceived difficulties related to FUEDs were elicited by an open-ended question. Conventional content analysis was used to extract common categories and themes. Results Among the 208 participants, 134 (64%) reported that FUEDs represent a problem. Of those, 132 provided 1 to 5 answers to the open-ended question. Twenty-eight categories were identified and organized in 4 themes. First, participants reported difficulties related to FUEDs’ characteristics themselves (e.g., problem’s chronicity; behavioural difficulties) leading to healthcare complexity. Second, participants perceived negative consequences related to the presence of FUEDs in the ED (e.g., work overload, staff helplessness and fatigue). Third, ED healthcare offer was considered inappropriate and inefficient to respond to FUEDs needs and fourth collaborating with FUEDs’ existing healthcare network was perceived as difficult. Conclusions ED healthcare providers experience a wide range of difficulties related to the management of FUEDs. Providing training and implementing a case management intervention tailored to FUEDs might support ED health-care providers and contribute to address FUEDs’ complex needs. Key messages ED healthcare providers perceive FUEDs to represent a problem. Perceived difficulties might decrease through training and case management support might contribute to better address FUEDs complex needs.

scholarly journals Does Case Management Provide Support for Staff Facing Frequent Users of Emergency Departments? A Comparative Mixed-Method Evaluation of ED Staff Perception

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael von Allmen ◽  
Véronique S. Grazioli ◽  
Miriam Kasztura ◽  
Oriane Chastonay ◽  
Joanna C. Moullin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Psychiatric Staff ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Objective Frequent users of emergency departments (FUED) account for a disproportionate number of emergency department (ED) visits and contribute to a wide range of challenges for ED staff. While several research has documented that case management (CM) tailored to FUED leads to a reduction in ED visits and a better quality of life (QoL) among FUED, whether there is added value for ED staff remains to be explored. This study aimed to compare, among staff in two academic EDs in Switzerland (one with and one without CM), the FUED-related knowledge, perceptions of the extent of the FUED issue, FUED-related work challenges and FUEDs’ legitimacy to use ED. Method Mixed methods were employed. First, ED physicians and nurses (N = 253) of the two EDs completed an online survey assessing their knowledge and perceptions of FUEDs. Results between healthcare providers working in an ED with CM to those working in an ED without CM were compared using independent two-sided T-tests. Next, a sample of participants (n = 16) took part in a qualitative assessment via one-to-one interviews (n = 6) or focus groups (n = 10). Results Both quantitative and qualitative results documented that the FUED-related knowledge, the extent FUED were perceived as an issue and perceived FUEDs’ legitimacy to use ED were not different between groups. The level of perceived FUED-related challenges was also similar between groups. Quantitative results showed that nurses with CM experienced more challenges related to FUED. Qualitative exploration revealed that lack of psychiatric staff within the emergency team and lack of communication between ED staff and CM team were some of the explanations behind these counterintuitive findings. Conclusion Despite promising results on FUEDs’ QoL and frequency of ED visits, these preliminary findings suggest that CM may provide limited support to ED staff in its current form. Given the high burden of FUED-related challenges encountered by ED staff, improved communication and FUED-related knowledge transfer between ED staff and the CM team should be prioritized to increase the value of a FUED CM intervention for ED staff.

scholarly journals Does case management provides support for staff facing frequent users of emergency departments?

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M von Allmen ◽  
V Grazioli ◽  
M Kasztura ◽  
M Lemoine ◽  
O Chastonay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Background Frequent users of emergency departments (FUED; 5 ED visits during the preceding 12 months) account for a disproportionate part of ED visits, causing a wide range of work difficulties to ED staff potentially leading to FUED discrimination. Whereas case management (CM) tailored to FUED leads to a reduction in ED visits, CM impact on ED staff has not been explored yet. This study aimed to compare ED staff perceptions of FUED with and without dedicated CM support. Methods Participants (N = 253) were ED staff (81 physicians; 172 nurses/assistant nurses) of two Swiss university hospitals, one with CM and one without CM support. Perceptions regarding FUED (i.e., knowledge and awareness of the issue extent; related work difficulties; FUEDs’ legitimate use of ED resources) were measured with a 25-item online survey (4 to 10-level Likert scales). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to 1) explore the associations between CM implementation and FUED perceptions, and 2) test the moderating effect of profession (physician or nurse/nurse assistant) on these associations. All analyses were adjusted by gender and years of practical experience. Results Physicians with CM considered FUED as a less important problem (=.375, R2=.11, p <.05) and rated their knowledge of FUED issue higher (=.245, R2=.077, p <.05) compared to those without CM. In contrast, nurses without CM perceived fewer FUED-related work difficulties (i.e., feeling of failure and helplessness) than nurses with CM. (=-1.01, R2=.06, p <.05) No significant difference was found regarding ED staff’s perceptions of FUEDs’ legitimate use of ED resources and frequentation, nor on nurses’ knowledge of the issue. Conclusions These results suggest that CM intervention for FUED is a potential source of support for ED physicians working with FUED. Further qualitative research is needed to explore why nurses without CM support reported feeling less failure and helplessness regarding FUED. Key messages By highlighting a different impact of CM on nurses’ perception, this study illustrates where CM intervention might be improved. This study supports CM as a promising intervention for FUED by potentially having a positive impact on ED physicians’ perception besides the one previously proved on FUEDs’ number of visits and QOL.

Survey of opioid tapering practices of pediatric healthcare providers: A national perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Fisher, PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC ◽  
Suzanne W. Ameringer, PhD, RN
Keyword(s):  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Pediatric Pain ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Opioid Tapering ◽  
Pediatric Healthcare

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the current opioid tapering practice.Design: Cross-sectional, online, survey research.Participants: Pediatric healthcare providers from a national sample of practicing nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians who participate in five different pediatric pain and/or palliative care list serves.Results: One hundred four participants responded to the survey. The respondents were predominantly physicians (n = 58, 62 percent). The majority of respondents worked in an academic children's medical center (n = 50, 52 percent). The average number of years in pediatric practice was 16 (mean = 16.33, range of 0-45 years). Of the 104 respondents, only 22 (27 percent) had a written protocol for opioid tapering. Use of expert consultants such as pharmacists or pediatric pain management teams varied. The majority of respondents (n = 46, 44 percent) seldom or never consult a pharmacist. Only 22 percent (n = 17) almost always or always consult a pediatric pain team. There was a wide range of personal tapering rate preferences. Conclusions: This study provided a baseline assessment of pediatric opioid tapering practices by pediatric healthcare providers. Results revealed a marked variation in practice patterns that may indicate deficits in the assessment and management of opioid withdrawal in children. The need for the development of assessment-based opioid tapering guidelines for the pediatric population is long overdue.

Emergency preparedness training preferences and perceived barriers to training among various healthcare providers and public health practitioners in Massachusetts

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-106
Author(s):  
John Broach, MD, MPH, MBA, FACEP ◽  
Mary-Elise Smith, MA, MD, FACEP
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Training Topic ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Training Preferences ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Emergency preparedness training is vital to a wide range of healthcare and public health disciplines. Although agencies may try to tailor their training efforts based on perceived need, the topics and methods of instruction may be misguided, resulting in wasted effort and poor participation in training events. Objective: The objective of this study was to understand in a rigorous way, the training preferences and barriers to training among practitioners in Massachusetts.Methods: In August 2013, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health distributed an online survey to health professionals in Massachusetts regarding their emergency preparedness training topic preferences and any perceived barriers and challenges associated with obtaining this training. A total of 796 healthcare and public health professionals responded to the survey and answered some or all of the questions asked.Results: The results of the survey identified important differences in preference for some topics based on a provider's practice location and discipline. However, Community Recovery and Community Preparedness were seen as desirable by all disciplines with more than 80 percent of respondents rating each of these issues as being highly important. Barriers to training were also assessed. Time spent away from work was the most commonly identified barrier (77.41 percent). Travel distance and financial constraints were also rated highly with scores of 65.48 and 63.71 percent, respectively.Conclusions: This study demonstrates important areas of agreement with respect to desired training topics and points out areas where providers in different disciplines and from different geographic areas may have differing educational preferences. Even within the limitation of this investigation, we expect that this study will be a valuable tool for those attempting to effectively target emergency preparedness training and structure course offerings in ways that minimize the impact of barriers to training.

scholarly journals 101 Avoiding Burnout of the Care Home Workforce During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Sharing National Learning and Local Initiatives

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i12-i42
Author(s):  
L Johnston ◽  
C Malcolm ◽  
L Rambabu ◽  
J Hockley ◽  
S D Shenkin
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Home Workers

Abstract Introduction COVID-19 in care homes has heightened the risk of staff burnout, undermining already problematic staff retention and low morale. There has been an associated proliferation of resources and online initiatives to support frontline workers, however, few of these are directly targeted at the care home workforce. Care home workers are highly skilled in caring for people with complex needs, but have very variable levels of formal training, and just over half of care homes in Scotland include registered nurses. This project will rapidly collate existing resources and identify, direct from care home workers, their best practice, initiatives, and resources used to support resilience and retention during this pandemic and moving forward. Methods 1) Rapid review of care home specific evidence and resources (including published research and social media); 2) Online survey of Enabling Research in Care Homes (ENRICH) members across Scotland (n = 55); 3) Case studies within six care homes to identify what is working well and what is not in terms of promoting resilience and emotional support. Results The rapid review has identified a wide range of resources directed at supporting staff working in care homes; the survey and case studies will provide data on the key learning and resources that have supported staff, and outline the challenges identified. There are many resources available but staff do not access these. The role of the care home manager is key. Key conclusions This comprehensive review of resources and initiatives will make a valuable contribution to policy and practice designed to reduce burnout and foster retention not just in care homes but more widely across health and social care.

Identifying Characteristics of Frequent and Highly Frequent Users of the Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byeung Ki An ◽  
Tiffany Jane Lee ◽  
Sang Mi Kim ◽  
Suck Ju Cho ◽  
Joonbum Park
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frequent Users ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Ed Overcrowding ◽  
Ed Visits

Abstract Introduction: Since the characteristics of frequent emergency department (ED) users are heterogeneous, it is impossible to mitigate the overcrowding of the ED without the basic data of diagnoses and risk factors of frequent ED users. Our study will provide invaluable information that will help predict patient demand for medical resources while also providing important information that can be used to improve emergency medical services. Methods This is the cross-sectional observational study using records from The Korea Health Insurance Review Agency. Frequent ED users were defined as patients who visited an ED more than 7–17 times per calendar year and highly frequent ED users were defined as patients who visited an ED eighteen or more times during the same period. The diseases were ranked by prevalence in each of the three ED frequency groups (less frequent, frequent, and highly frequent ED user groups). Our study then developed two logistic regression models comparing frequent users with less frequent users and highly frequent users with frequent users. Standardized ß values were used to rank risk factor importance. Results Although less frequent ED users composed 98.98% of all patients, they only consisted of 92.27% of all ED visits. Compared with less frequent users, a greater proportion of frequent ED users were aged 65 years or older and were insured by Medicaid or Veterans Affair Health Care Program. Frequent ED users were also most strongly defined by wound dressing follow-up visits and liver diseases (standardized ß value of 3.29 and 2.31). However, this study did not show highly frequent ED users differed from frequent ED users in regard to the different disease categories. Conclusion The diagnoses and risk factors related to frequent ED visits in Korea identified in this study will be an important reference for future research aimed at reducing ED overcrowding. By further analyzing the risk factors associated with frequent ED use, non-emergency administrative systems or medical facilities can be utilized to reduce the overload on the ED.

scholarly journals Dietary Intake and Mental Health among Saudi Adults during COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1653
Author(s):  
Hanan Alfawaz ◽  
Sobhy M. Yakout ◽  
Kaiser Wani ◽  
Ghadah A. Aljumah ◽  
Mohammed G. A. Ansari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Anxiety Depression

The study aimed to explore the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on the mental status and dietary intake of residents in Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted from 11 May to 6 June 2020 corresponding to almost two weeks during and after Ramadan (23 April–23 May 2020). The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia among the participants was 25.4%, 27.7%, and 19.6%, respectively. Participants aged ≥50 years with high income (≥8000 SAR) were at a lower risk of developing depression, whereas participants of the same age group with income 5000–7000 SAR were at high risk of developing anxiety. Students and master-educated participants suffer from median elevated depression and are required to take more multivitamins and vitamin D than others. Anxiety and depression were more common among married participants with low income. There is a wide range of Saudi residents who are at a higher risk of mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers and mental healthcare providers are advised to provide continuous monitoring of the psychological consequences during this pandemic and provide mental support.

scholarly journals The Istanbul Protocol: A global stakeholder survey on past experiences, current practices and additional norm setting

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohini J Haar ◽  
James Lin ◽  
Jens Modvig ◽  
Julia Nee ◽  
Vincent Iacopino
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Torture Survivors ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Advocacy Training ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Istanbul Protocol ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Building Policy ◽  
Current Practices

Introduction: The Istanbul Protocol (IP) principles and guidelines have served as international norms for the effective investigation and documentation of torture and ill-treatment since 1999. Given the widespread use of the IP and recent calls to update or enhance its norms, we conducted a large-scale study among stakeholders to understand current practices as well as opinions on additional IP norm setting. Methods: Between February 20, 2017 and April 7, 2017, we conducted an online survey of IP users using a combination of criterion and chain sampling. The survey instrument included the following domains of inquiry: 1) respondent characteristics (demographics, anti-torture work, country conditions, and IP training); 2) IP use, importance and practices, and; 3) opinions on additional IP norm setting. Results: The survey was distributed to 177 individuals and 250 organizational representatives with response rates of 78% and 47% respectively. The respondents came from a variety of clinical, legal, academic, and advocacy disciplines from around the world. The respondents indicated that they use the IP for a wide range of anti-torture activities: investigation and documentation, advocacy, training and capacity building, policy reform, prevention, and treatment and rehabilitation of torture survivors. The vast majority (94% of individual respondents and 84% of organizations) reported that the IP is important to their anti-torture work. A majority of individual (60%) and organizational (59%) respondents reported that updating or adding clarifications to the IP would help to address the challenges they face and provided specific suggestions. However, 41% of individuals and 21% of organizational respondents also reported concerns that additional IP norm setting could have negative consequences. Discussion: The IP provides critical guidance for a wide range of torture prevention, accountability, and redress activities and can be enhanced through the development of additional updates and clarifications to respond to the current needs of torture survivors and stakeholders.

scholarly journals Medication Risk Management in Routine Dispensing in Community Pharmacies

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (21) ◽  
pp. 8186
Author(s):  
Sonja Kallio ◽  
Tiina Eskola ◽  
Marika Pohjanoksa-Mäntylä ◽  
Marja Airaksinen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Community Pharmacies ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Medication Risk

Community pharmacists have a duty to contribute to medication risk management in outpatient care. This study aimed to investigate the actions taken by pharmacists in routine dispensing to manage medication risks. The study was conducted as a national cross-sectional online survey targeted at all community pharmacies in Finland (n = 576) in October 2015. One pharmacist from each pharmacy was recommended to be the spokesperson for the outlet to describe their practices. Responses were received from 169 pharmacies (response rate of 29%). Pharmacists were oriented to solving poor adherence and technical problems in prescriptions, whereas responsibility for therapeutic risks was transferred to the patient to resolve them with the physician. Pharmacists have access to a wide range of electronic medication risk management tools, but they are rarely utilized in daily dispensing. Attention was paid to drug–drug interactions and the frequency of dispensing with regard to high-risk medicines. Pharmacies rarely had local agreements with other healthcare providers to solve medication-related risks. In routine dispensing, more attention needs to be given to the identification and solving of therapeutic risks in medications, especially those of older adults. Better participation of community pharmacists in medication risk management requires stronger integration and an explicit mandate to solve the therapeutic risks.

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