scholarly journals P021: Impact of emergency department surge and end of shift on patient workup and treatment prior to referral to internal medicine

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S85-S85
Author(s):  
V. Charbonneau ◽  
I.G. Stiell ◽  
E.S. Kwok ◽  
L. Boyle
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Weighted Mean ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Medicine Service ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: The goal of this study was to determine if emergency department (ED) surge and end of shift assessment of patients affect the extent of diagnostic tests, therapeutic interventions performed and accuracy of diagnosis prior to referral of patients to Internal Medicine as well as the impact on patient outcomes. Methods: This study was a health records review of consecutive patients referred to the internal medicine service with an ED diagnosis of heart failure, COPD or sepsis, at two tertiary care EDs. We developed a scoring system in consultation with senior emergency and internal medicine physicians to uniformly assess the treatments and investigations performed for patients diagnosed in the ED with heart failure, COPD or sepsis. These scores were then correlated with surge levels and time of day at patient assessment and disposition. Rate of admission and diagnosis disagreements were also assessed. Results: We included 308 patients (101 with heart failure, 101 with COPD, 106 with sepsis). Comparing middle of shift to end of shift, the overall weighted mean scores were 92.2% vs. 91.7% for investigations and 73.5% vs. 70.0% for treatments. Comparing low to high surge times, the overall weighted mean scores were 89.9% vs. 92.6% for investigations and 68.6% vs. 71.7% for treatments. Evaluating each condition separately for investigations and treatments according to time of shift or surge conditions, there were no consistent differences in scores. We found overall high admission rates (93.1 % for heart failure, 91.1% for COPD, 96.2% for sepsis patients), and low rates of diagnosis disagreement (4.0 % heart failure, 10.9% COPD, 8.5% sepsis). Conclusion: We found that surge levels and end of shift did not impact the extent of investigations and treatments provided to patients diagnosed in the emergency department with heart failure, COPD or sepsis and referred to internal medicine. Admission rates for the patients referred were above 90% and there were very few diagnosis disagreements or diversion to alternate service by internal medicine. We believe this supports the emergency physician's ability to adapt to time and surge constraints, particularly in the context of commonly encountered conditions.

scholarly journals P136: Increasing access to computed tomography scanning in the emergency department and its effect on patient outcomes

CJEM ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (S1) ◽  
pp. S113
Author(s):  
M. Watson ◽  
C. Richard ◽  
N. Fortino ◽  
T. Lyon ◽  
R. Ohle
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Direct Access ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Computed Tomography Scanning ◽  
The Impact

Background: There is growing concern about emergency physicians overuse of computed tomography (CT). In an attempt to ensure appropriate ordering many hospitals implement strict protocols for ordering of CT scans in the emergency department (ED) that include approval of all scans by a board-certified radiologist, and a reduced access to CT overnight. Aim Statement: The aim of this study is to review the impact of RAD ED – direct access to CT ordering by ED physicians, 24hr CT technologist and third-party reporting on CT scans overnight. Our objectives were to assess the effect on; 1) ED length of stay, 2) number of CT scans ordered and 3) admission rates. Measures & Design: We conducted a prospective pilot before & after study at a single tertiary-care emergency department between February 1st, 2018 and July 31st, 2018. Inclusion criteria were adult patients presenting to the emergency department and undergoing CT for any of the following: face, neck, spine, upper and lower extremities, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Exclusion criteria were those undergoing CT head for stroke or trauma. Evaluation/Results: A total of 924 patients met our criteria, 352 before and 568 after implementation. Comparison of the patient populations demonstrate very similar characteristics in both groups; (49% male, average age 56 years, CTAS 2(40%) and 3(47%). Results demonstrate that an additional 216 scans were performed in post-implementation group. This equates to an increase of 61%. ED length of stay averaged 5.6 hours pre-implementation and 4.7 hours post-implementation. This corresponds to a significant reduction in length of stay of approximately 0.9 hours (p < 0.01). Collection is currently ongoing for factors that we will adjust for a multivariate analysis, including admission rates. Discussion/Impact: RAD ED led to a significant increase in CT ordering and decrease in ED length of stay. We believe that this project provides important information to clinicians and patients with regards to overall CT utilization, ED wait times, follow up visits for CT scanning and admission rates. It is also important for administrators to help decide if these new rules are leading to improved efficiency, and to help estimate their financial impact.

Abstract 14747: Dwindling Trends of Cardiology Admissions Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center of Pakistan

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamshed Ali ◽  
Osman Faheem ◽  
Pirbhat Shams ◽  
ghufran adnan ◽  
Maria Khan
Keyword(s):  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Electronic Record ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Record System ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Social containment measures have been adopted globally to control COVID-19 outbreak. Reduction in hospital visits and inpatient admission rates have become cause for concern. Through this study we aimed to analyze the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus Outbreak on cardiology inpatient admissions at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Hypothesis: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant decline in cardiology admissions. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at our center. Admission log was accessed via electronic record system. Comparison was made for same months of 2019 and 2020 with regard to cardiology inpatient admissions. Results: A total of 239 patients were admitted to cardiology services in 2019 period and 106 in 2020 period with resultant reduction of 55.6%. Number of patients admitted to the coronary care unit were 179 and 78 respectively where as the numbers declined to 28 from 60 for cardiac step down. Reduction for admission numbered to 52.4% for males and 38.89% for females. 9.3% patients left against medical advice in 2019 and 3.4% in 2020. Conclusions: Our study concludes that numbers of cardiology admissions have dwindled. Possible explanation for this can be implementation of social containment and fear of acquiring infection. This has raised a question of whether a significant number of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has occurred without seeking medical attention and has went unrecorded during the pandemic. This calls for stringent diagnostic measures in future to diagnose previously unrecorded burden.

Abstract P119: Factors Influencing Door to Needle Administration for Acute Stroke Patients in the Emergency Department

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolle W Davis ◽  
Meghan Bailey ◽  
Natalie Buchwald ◽  
Amreen Farooqui ◽  
Anna Khanna
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background/Objective: There is growing importance on discovering factors that delay time to intervention for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, as rapid intervention remains essential for better patient outcomes. The management of these patients involves a multidisciplinary effort and quality improvement initiatives to safely increase treatment with intravenous thrombolytic (IV tPa). The objective of this pilot is to evaluate factors of acute stroke care in the emergency department (ED) and the impact they have on IV tPa administration. Methods: A sample of 89 acute ischemic stroke patients that received IV tPa from a single academic medical institution was selected for retrospective analysis. System characteristics (presence of a stroke nurse and time of day) and patient characteristics (mode of arrival and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) on arrival) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression to address the study question. Results: The mean door to needle time is 53.74 minutes ( + 38.06) with 74.2% of patients arriving to the ED via emergency medical services (EMS) and 25.8% having a stroke nurse present during IV tPa administration. Mode of arrival ( p = .001) and having a stroke nurse present ( p = .022) are significant predictors of door to needle time in the emergency department (ED). Conclusion: While many factors can influence door to needle times in the ED, we did not find NIHSS on arrival or time of day to be significant factors. Patients arriving to the ED by personal vehicle will have a significant delay in IV tPa administration, therefore emphasizing the importance of using EMS. Perhaps more importantly, collaborative efforts including the addition of a specialized stroke nurse significantly decreased time to IV tPa administration for AIS patients. With this dedicated role, accelerated triage and more effective management of AIS patients is accomplished, leading to decreased intervention times and potentially improving patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Emergency Department Referral Profile of Traumatic Brain Injury Records at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Khan ◽  
Uzair Yaqoob ◽  
Zair Hassan ◽  
Muhammad Muizz Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Mild Tbi ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world and the impact is much worse in Pakistan. The objective here is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with TBI in our country and to determine the immediate outcomes of patients with TBI after the presentation.Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. Data were extracted from the medical records from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. Patient age, sex, type of trauma, and immediate outcome of the referral to the Emergency Department were recorded. The severity of TBI was categorized based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in mild (GCS 13-15), moderate (GCS 9-12), and severe (GCS <8) classes. The Emergency Department referral profile was classified as admissions, disposed, detained and disposed, referred.Results: Out of 5047 patients, 3689 (73.1%) males and 1358 (26.9%) females. The most commonly affected age group was 0-10 years (25.6%) and 21-30 years (20.1%). Road Traffic accident was the predominant cause of injury (38.8%, n=1960) followed by fall (32.7%, n=1649). Most (93.6%, n=4710) of the TBIs were mild. After the full initial assessment and workup, and completing all first-aid management, the immediate outcome was divided into four, most frequent (67.2%, n=3393) of which was “disposed (discharged)”, and 9.3% (n=470) were admitted for further management.Conclusion: Our study represents a relatively commonplace picture of epidemiological data on the burden of TBI in Pakistan. As a large proportion of patients had a mild TBI, and there is a high risk of mild TBI being under-diagnosed, we warrant further investigation of mild TBI in population-based studies.

scholarly journals Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis in obstetric patients: management and clinical outcome in case series of 30 patients in a tertiary care centre

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 2997
Author(s):  
Molina U. Patel ◽  
Yuvraj Jadeja ◽  
Niket Patel ◽  
Nayana Patel ◽  
Smruti Vaishnav ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Kidney Injury ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care Centre ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Background: Acute Kidney Injury is a common medical problem affecting approximately 5% of all hospitalized and 30% of critically ill patients. The incidence in obstetric patients ranges from 1 in 2000 to 1 in 25000 pregnancies. In India till date, the impact of AKI on fetomaternal outcome and pertaining therapeutic interventions is only sparsely studied.Methods: It is a retrospective cross-sectional study. All obstetric patients with AKI on dialysis, admitted to Shree Krishna Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Karamsad village in Gujarat from January 2013 to August 2015. Multivariate statistical analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters was performed using SPSS program to obtain the results.Results: The incidence of dialysis was 1.6%. HELLP syndrome and pre-eclampsia (80%) was found to be the most common etiology of AKI followed by Congestive cardiac failure (34.5%), hemorrhage and sepsis in 30% resp. All patients were admitted to ICU care. No significant difference was found between SAP II and SOFA monitoring system. Mechanical ventilation was done to support 53.3% and inotropic support was needed by 56.7% patients. According to the RIFLE criteria, majority of the patients fall under risk category followed by injury. 18% of the patients developed End Stage Renal Disease.Conclusions: In view of the multifaceted etiologies and complexity of management of AKI, a multi-disciplinary approach involving nephrologist, intensivists, obstetricians and neonatologists is extremely important.

scholarly journals P139: The impact of a pancreatitis admission algorithm on emergency department length of stay in a tertiary care academic hospital

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S114-S115
Author(s):  
A. Albina ◽  
F. Kegel ◽  
F. Dankoff ◽  
G. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Physician Satisfaction ◽  
Academic Hospital ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Potential Applicability ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Algorithm Implementation ◽  
The Impact

Background: Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is associated with a broad spectrum of poor medical outcomes, including medical errors, mortality, higher rates of leaving without being seen, and reduced patient and physician satisfaction. The largest contributor to overcrowding is access block – the inability of admitted patients to access in-patient beds from the ED. One component to addressing access block involves streamlining the decision process to rapidly determine which hospital service will admit the patient. Aim Statement: As of Sep 2011, admission algorithms at our institution were supported and formalised. The pancreatitis algorithm clarified whether general surgery or internal medicine would admit ED patients with pancreatitis. We hypothesize that this prior uncertainty delayed the admission decision and prolonged ED length of stay (LOS) for patients with pancreatitis. Our project evaluates whether implementing a pancreatitis admission algorithm at our institution reduced ED time to disposition (TTD) and LOS. Measures & Design: A retrospective review was conducted in a tertiary care academic hospital in Montreal for all adult ED patients diagnosed with pancreatitis from Apr 2010 to Mar 2014. The data was used to plot separate run charts for ED TTD and LOS. Serial measurements of each outcome were used to monitor change and evaluate for special cause variation. The mean ED LOS and TTD before and after algorithm implementation were also compared using the Student's t test. Evaluation/Results: Over four years, a total of 365 ED patients were diagnosed with pancreatitis and 287 (79%) were admitted. The mean ED LOS for patients with pancreatitis decreased following the implementation of an admission algorithm (1616 vs. 1418 mins, p = 0.05). The mean ED TTD was also reduced (1171 vs. 899 mins, p = 0.0006). A non-random signal of change was suggested by a shift above the median prior to algorithm implementation and one below the median following. Discussion/Impact: This project demonstrates that in a busy tertiary care academic hospital, an admission algorithm helped reduce ED TTD and LOS for patients with pancreatitis. This proves especially valuable when considering the potential applicability of such algorithms to other disease processes, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and congestive heart failure, among others. Future studies demonstrating this external applicability, and the impact of such decision algorithms on physician decision fatigue and within non-academic institutions, proves warranted.

scholarly journals Quick diagnostic unit integrated in an emergency department setting reduces medical admissions – an observational study

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Brun Petersen ◽  
Thomas Andersen Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
General Medicine ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
First Year ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Diagnostic Study ◽  
Diagnostic Unit ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Background: Hospitals in countries with public health systems have recently adopted organizational changes to improve efficiency and resource allocation, and reducing inappropriate hospitalizations has been established as an important goal, as well as avoiding or buffering overcrowding in Emergency Departments (EDs). Aims: Our goal was to describe the impact of a Quick Diagnostic Unit established on January 1, 2012, integrated in an ED setting in a Danish public university hospital following its function for the first year. Design: Observational, descriptive and comparative study. Methods: Our sample comprised the total number of patients being admitted and discharged from the Department of Internal Medicine in 2011 and 2012, with special focus on the General Medicine Ward. Results: Compared with 2011 the establishment of the Quick Diagnostic Unit integrated in the Emergency Department resulted in the admittance and discharge of fewer patients (40%; p < .0001) to the hospital’s General Medicine Ward and 11.6% (p < .0001) fewer patients in the whole Department of Internal Medicine. Conclusions: A Quick Diagnostic Unit integrated in an ED setting represents a useful and fast track model for the diagnostic study and treatment of patients with simple internal medicine ailments, and also serves as a buffer for overcrowding of the ED.

scholarly journals Impact of a specialist service in the Emergency Department on admission, length of stay and readmission of patients presenting with falls, syncope and dizziness

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Jusmanova ◽  
C Rice ◽  
R Bourke ◽  
A Lavan ◽  
C G McMahon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Admission Rate ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Specialist Service ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Bed Days ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

Summary Background Up to half of patients presenting with falls, syncope or dizziness are admitted to hospital. Many are discharged without a clear diagnosis for their index episode, however, and therefore a relatively high risk of readmission. Aim To examine the impact of ED-FASS (Emergency Department Falls and Syncope Service) a dedicated specialist service embedded within an ED, seeing patients of all ages with falls, syncope and dizziness. Design Pre- and post-cohort study. Methods Admission rates, length of stay (LOS) and readmission at 3 months were examined for all patients presenting with a fall, syncope or dizziness from April to July 2018 (pre-ED-FASS) inclusive and compared to April to July 2019 inclusive (post-ED-FASS). Results There was a significantly lower admission rate for patients presenting in 2019 compared to 2018 [27% (453/1676) vs. 34% (548/1620); X2 = 18.0; P &lt; 0.001], with a 20% reduction in admissions. The mean LOS for patients admitted in 2018 was 20.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 17.4–24.0] days compared to 18.2 (95% CI 14.6–21.9) days in 2019 (t = 0.98; P = 0.3294). This accounts for 11 344 bed days in the 2018 study period, and 8299 bed days used after ED-FASS. There was also a significant reduction in readmission rates within 3 months of index presentation, from 21% (109/1620) to 16% (68/1676) (X2 = 4.68; P = 0.030). Conclusion This study highlights the significant potential benefits of embedding dedicated multidisciplinary services at the hospital front door in terms of early specialist assessment and directing appropriate patients to effective ambulatory care pathways.

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