scholarly journals LO58: Using volunteers to improve the experience of older patients in the emergency department

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S28-S29
Author(s):  
B. Ellis ◽  
D. Melady ◽  
N. Foster ◽  
S. Sinha ◽  
V. Lau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Patient Encounter ◽  
Poor Patient ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Collection Form ◽  
Therapeutic Activities ◽  
Volunteer Engagement

Introduction: The Maximizing Aging Using Volunteer Engagement in the ED (MAUVE + ED) program connects specially trained volunteers with older patients whose personal and social needs are not always met within the busy ED environment. The objective of this study was to describe the development and implementation of the MAUVE + ED program and the activities performed with older patients by its volunteers. Methods: The MAUVE + ED program was implemented in the ED (annual census 65,000) of a large academic tertiary hospital in Toronto, Ontario. Volunteers were trained to identify and approach older patients and others at greater risk for adverse outcomes, including poor patient experience, in the ED and invite such patients to participate in the program. The program is available to all patients >65 years, and those with confusion, patients who were alone, those with mobility issues, and patients with increased length of stay in the ED. Volunteers documented their activities after each patient encounter using a standardized paper-based data collection form. Results: Over the program's initial 6-month period, the MAUVE + ED volunteers reported a total of 896 encounters with 718 unique patients. The median (IQR) time a MAUVE volunteer spent with a patient was 10 (5, 20) minutes, with a range of 1 to 130 minutes. The median (IQR) number of patients seen per shift was 7 (6, 9), with a range of 1 to 16 patients per shift. The most common activities the volunteer assisted with were therapeutic activities/social visits (n = 859; 95.9%), orientation activities (n = 501; 55.9%), and hydration assistance (n = 231; 25.8%). The least common were mobility assistance (n = 36; 4.0%), and vision/hearing assistance (n = 13; 1.5%). Conclusion: Preliminary data suggest the MAUVE + ED volunteers were able to enrich the experience of older adults and their families/carers in the ED.

scholarly journals Using volunteers to improve the experience of older patients in the emergency department

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-518
Author(s):  
Brittany Ellis ◽  
Don Melady ◽  
Nicoda Foster ◽  
Samir Sinha ◽  
Vicki Lau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Poor Patient ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Collection Form ◽  
Therapeutic Activities

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe Maximizing Aging Using Volunteer Engagement in the Emergency Department (MAUVE + ED) program connects specially trained volunteers with older patients whose personal and social needs are not always met within the busy ED environment. The objective of this study was to describe the development and implementation of the MAUVE + ED program.MethodsVolunteers were trained to identify and approach older patients at risk for adverse outcomes, including poor patient experience, and invite such patients to participate in the program. The program is available to all patients >65 years, and those with confusion, patients who were alone, those with mobility issues, and patients with increased length of stay in the ED. Volunteers documented their activities after each patient encounter using a standardized paper-based data collection form.ResultsOver the program's initial 6-month period, the MAUVE + ED volunteers reported a total of 896 encounters with 718 unique patients. The median time (interquartile range [IQR]) a MAUVE volunteer spent with a patient was 10 minutes (IQR = 5, 20), with a range of 1 to 130 minutes. The median number of patients seen per shift was 7 (IQR = 6, 9), with a range of 1 to 16 patients per shift. The most common activities the volunteer assisted with were therapeutic activities/social visits (n = 859; 95.9%), orientation activities (n = 501; 55.9%), and hydration assistance (n = 231; 25.8%). The least common were mobility assistance (n = 36; 4.0%), and vision/hearing assistance (n = 13; 1.5%).ConclusionsPreliminary data suggest the MAUVE + ED volunteers were able to provide additional care to older adults and their families/carers in the ED.

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of the ‘Acutely Presenting Older Patient’ screener in routine emergency department care

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1034-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura C Blomaard ◽  
Simon P Mooijaart ◽  
Shanti Bolt ◽  
Jacinta A Lucke ◽  
Jelle de Gelder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Lower Probability ◽  
Older Patient ◽  
Emergency Department Care ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
High Urgency

Abstract Background risk stratification tools for older patients in the emergency department (ED) have rarely been implemented successfully in routine care. Objective to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the ‘Acutely Presenting Older Patient’ (APOP) screener, which identifies older ED patients at the highest risk of adverse outcomes within 2 minutes at presentation. Design and setting 2-month prospective cohort study, after the implementation of the APOP screener in ED routine care in the Leiden University Medical Center. Subjects all consecutive ED patients aged ≥70 years. Methods feasibility of screening was assessed by measuring the screening rate and by identifying patient- and organisation-related determinants of screening completion. Acceptability was assessed by collecting experienced barriers of screening completion from triage-nurses. Results we included 953 patients with a median age of 77 (IQR 72–82) years, of which 560 (59%) patients were screened. Patients had a higher probability of being screened when they had a higher age (OR 1.03 (95%CI 1.01–1.06), P = 0.017). Patients had a lower probability of being screened when they were triaged very urgent (OR 0.55 (0.39–0.78), P = 0.001) or when the number of patients upon arrival was high (OR 0.63 (0.47–0.86), P = 0.003). Experienced barriers of screening completion were patient-related (‘patient was too sick’), organisation-related (‘ED was too busy’) and personnel-related (‘forgot to complete screening’). Conclusion with more than half of all older patients screened, feasibility and acceptability of screening in routine ED care is very promising. To further improve screening completion, solutions are needed for patients who present with high urgency and during ED rush hours.

scholarly journals Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina R Raizada ◽  
Natasha Cleaton ◽  
James Bateman ◽  
Diarmuid M Mulherin ◽  
Nick Barkham
Keyword(s):  
Older Patients ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Survey Tool ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face rheumatology follow-up appointments were mostly replaced with telephone or virtual consultations in order to protect vulnerable patients. We aimed to investigate the perspectives of rheumatology patients on the use of telephone consultations compared with the traditional face-to-face consultation. Methods We carried out a retrospective survey of all rheumatology follow-up patients at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust who had received a telephone consultation from a rheumatology consultant during a 4-week period via an online survey tool. Results Surveys were distributed to 1213 patients, of whom 336 (27.7%) responded, and 306 (91.1%) patients completed all components of the survey. Overall, an equal number of patients would prefer telephone clinics or face-to-face consultations for their next routine appointment. When divided by age group, the majority who preferred the telephone clinics were <50 years old [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 10.075, P = 0.018]. Prevalence of a smartphone was higher among younger patients (<50 years old: 46 of 47, 97.9%) than among older patients (≥50 years old: 209 of 259, 80.7%) [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 20.919, P < 0.001]. More patients reported that they would prefer a telephone call for urgent advice (168, 54.9%). Conclusion Most patients interviewed were happy with their routine face-to-face appointment being switched to a telephone consultation. Of those interviewed, patients >50 years old were less likely than their younger counterparts to want telephone consultations in place of face-to-face appointments. Most patients in our study would prefer a telephone consultation for urgent advice. We must ensure that older patients and those in vulnerable groups who value in-person contact are not excluded. Telephone clinics in some form are here to stay in rheumatology for the foreseeable future.

Causes of delayed exploration of the acute scrotum in a regional tertiary centre

2020 ◽  
pp. 205141582098119
Author(s):  
Benjamin Storey ◽  
Nathan Shugg ◽  
Alison Blatt
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Testicular Torsion ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Acute Scrotum ◽  
Tertiary Institution ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Scrotal Pain ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Testicular torsion is an organ-threatening surgical emergency with a limited timeframe for intervention. Objective: To identify the delays to surgical exploration of patients with an acute scrotum in a tertiary hospital to prevent adverse outcomes associated with this time critical emergency. Methods: A retrospective review of medical records for all patients who underwent scrotal exploration for acute scrotal pain in a tertiary hospital in regional New South Wales between January 2008 to December 2018 was performed. Results: Retrospective review identified 242 patients, of whom 161 had testicular torsion and 56 resultant orchidectomies. No statistically significant difference in pre-hospital delays between paediatric or adult populations was found. The average time from presentation to theatre was 4 h 36 min. Patients who were delayed > 6 h from presentation to surgical exploration had significantly increased rates of orchidectomy. Delays that significantly affected rates of orchidectomy were transfer from peripheral sites, late presentation, misdiagnosis and representation after discharge. Conclusion: The most common reason for delay was diagnostic error with the patient later re-presenting to hospital. Patient transfer from the primary hospital to a tertiary institution and subsequent delayed surgical exploration also contributed to significantly higher rates of orchidectomy. Level of Evidence: 3

scholarly journals Impairment in activities of daily living and readmission in older patients with heart failure: a cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e044416
Author(s):  
Tan Van Nguyen ◽  
Huyen Thanh Dang ◽  
Mason Jenner Burns ◽  
Hiep HH Dao ◽  
Tu Ngoc Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the prevalence of impairment of activities of daily living (ADLs) in older patients with heart failure (HF), and to examine the impact of ADL impairment on readmission after discharge.Design and settingsA prospective cohort study was conducted in patients aged ≥65 years with HF admitted to a tertiary hospital in Vietnam from August 2016 to June 2017. Difficulties with six ADLs were assessed by a questionnaire. Participants were classified into two categories (with and without ADL impairment). The associations of ADL impairment with 3-month readmission were examined using logistic regression models.ResultsThere were 180 participants (mean age 80.6±8.2, 50% female) and 26.1% were classified as having ADL impairment. The most common impaired activity was bathing (21.1%), followed by transferring (20.0%), toileting (12.2%), dressing (8.9%), eating (3.3%), and continence (2.8%). During 3-month follow-up, 32.8% of the participants were readmitted to hospitals (55.3% in participants with ADL impairment, 24.8% in those without ADL impairment, p<0.001). ADL impairment significantly increased the risk of 3-month readmission (adjusted OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.25 to 6.05, p=0.01).ConclusionsIn summary, ADL impairment was common in older hospitalised patients with HF and was associated with increased readmission. These findings suggest further studies on ADL assessment and intervention during transition care for older patients with HF after discharge to prevent readmission.

Primary care physician services and the frequency of comorbidities in patients with acute myocardial infarction

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R King ◽  
D Giedrimiene
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Primary Care Physician ◽  
Care Physician ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The management of patients with multiple comorbidities represents a significant burden on healthcare each year. Despite requiring regular medical care to treat chronic conditions, a large number of these patients may not receive proper care. Significant disparities have been identified in patients with multiple comorbidities and those who experience acute coronary syndrome or acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Only limited data exists to identify the impact of comorbidities and utilization of primary care physician (PCP) services on the development of adverse outcomes, such as AMI. Purpose The primary objective was to analyze how PCP services utilization can be associated with comorbidities in patients who experienced an AMI. Methods This study was based on retrospective data analysis which included 250 patients admitted to the Hartford Hospital Emergency Department (ED) for an AMI. Out of these, 27 patients were excluded due to missing documentation. Collected data included age, gender, medications and recorded comorbidities, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and previous arrhythmia. Each patient was assessed regarding utilization of PCP services. Statistical analysis was performed in order to identify differences between patients with documented PCP services and those without by using the Chi-square test. Results The records allowed for identification of documented PCP services for 172 out of 223 (77.1%) patients. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and hyperlipidemia: in 165 (74.0%) and 157 (70.4%) cases respectively. The most frequent comorbidity was hypertension: 137 out of 172 (79.7%) in pts with PCP vs 28 out of 51 (54.9%) without PCP, and significantly more often in patients with PCP, p&lt; 0.001. Hyperlipidemia was the second most frequent comorbidity: in 130 out of 172 (75.6%) vs 27 out of 51 (52.9%) accordingly, and also significantly more often (p&lt; 0.002) in patients with PCP services. The number of comorbidities ranged from 0-5, including 32 (14.3%) patients without comorbidities: 16 (9.3%) with a PCP and 16 (31.4%) without PCP services. The majority of patients - 108 (48.5% of 223), had 2-3 documented comorbidities: 89 (51.8%) had two and 19 (34.6%) had three. The remaining 40 (17.9%) patients had 4-5 comorbidities: 37 (21.5%) of them with a PCP and 3 (10.3%) without, with a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) found for patients with a higher number of comorbidities who utilized PCP services. Conclusions Our study shows that the majority of patients who presented with an AMI had one or more comorbidities. Furthermore, patients who did not utilize PCP services had fewer identified comorbidities. This suggests that there may be a significant number of patients who experienced AMI with undiagnosed comorbidities due to not having access to PCP services.

scholarly journals PREPARE: protocol for a stepped wedge trial to evaluate whether a risk stratification model can reduce preterm deliveries among women with suspected or confirmed preterm pre-eclampsia

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Augusto Bastos Dias ◽  
◽  
Leandro De Oliveira ◽  
Arundhanthi Jeyabalan ◽  
Beth Payne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Risk Reduction ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Cluster Randomised Trial ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Stepped Wedge ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Background Preeclampsia (PE) is a major cause of short and long-term morbidity for affected infants, including consequences of fetal growth restriction and iatrogenic prematurity. In Brazil, this is a special problem as PE accounts for 18% of preterm births (PTB). In the PREPARE (Prematurity REduction by Pre-eclampsia cARE) study, we will test a novel system of integrated care based on risk stratification and knowledge transfer, to safely reduce PTB. Methods This is a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial that will include women with suspected or confirmed PE between 20 + 0 and 36 + 6 gestational weeks. All pregnant women presenting with these findings at seven tertiary centres in geographically dispersed sites, throughout Brazil, will be considered eligible and evaluated in terms of risk stratification at admission. At randomly allocated time points, sites will transition to risk stratification performed according to sFlt-1/PlGF (Roche Diagnostics) measurement and fullPIERS score with both results will be revealed to care providers. The healthcare providers of women stratified as low risk for adverse outcomes (sFlt-1/PlGF ≤38 AND fullPIERS< 10% risk) will receive the recommendation to defer delivery. sFlt-1/PlGF will be repeated once and fullPIERS score twice a week. Rates of prematurity due to preeclampsia before and after the intervention will be compared. Additionally, providers will receive an active program of knowledge transfer about WHO recommendations for preeclampsia, including recommendations regarding antenatal corticosteroids for foetal benefits, antihypertensive therapy and magnesium sulphate for seizure prophylaxis. This study will have 90% power to detect a reduction in PTB associated with PE from a population estimate of 1.5 to 1.0%, representing a 33% risk reduction, and 80% power to detect a reduction from 2.0 to 1.5% (25% risk reduction). The necessary number of patients recruited to achieve these results is 750. Adverse events, serious adverse events, both anticipated and unanticipated will be recorded. Discussion The PREPARE intervention expects to reduce PTB and improve care of women with PE without significant adverse side effects. If successful, this novel pathway of care is designed for rapid translation to healthcare throughout Brazil and may be transferrable to other low and middle income countries. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03073317.

scholarly journals Clinical and financial impacts of introducing an endoscopic mucosal resection service for treatment of patients with large colonic polyps into a regional tertiary hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 07 (11) ◽  
pp. E1386-E1392
Author(s):  
Thomas Worland ◽  
Oliver Cronin ◽  
Benjamin Harrison ◽  
Linda Alexander ◽  
Nik Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection ◽  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Colonic Polyps ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Safe Alternative ◽  
Intention To Treat ◽  
Mucosal Resection ◽  
Regional Center ◽  
Financial Benefits ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large sessile or laterally spreading colonic lesions is a safe alternative to surgery. We assessed reductions in Surgical Resection (SR) rates and associated clinical and financial benefits following the introduction of an EMR service to a large regional center. Patients and methods Ongoing prospective intention-to-treat analysis of EMR was undertaken from time of service inception in 2009 to 2017. Retrospective data for SR of large sessile/laterally spreading colonic lesions were collected for the period 4 years before commencement of the EMR service (2005 – 2008) and 9 years after its introduction (2009 – 2017). Results From 2005 to 2008, 32 surgical procedures were performed for non-malignant colonic neoplasia (50 % male, median age 68 years, median Length of Stay (LoS) 10 days). Following the introduction of the EMR service, there was a 56 % reduction in the number of patients referred for surgery (32 surgical procedures, 47 % male, median age 70 years, median LoS 8.5 days). During this period, EMR was successfully performed in 183 patients with 216 lesions resected (60 % male, median age 68 years, median LoS 1 day). Compared to the SR group, the EMR cohort had a lower peri-procedural complication rate (7.7 % vs 54.7 %, P < 0.0001), and shorter average LoS (1 vs 9 days, P < 0.0001). A cost saving of AUD $ 19 543.5 was seen per lesion removed with EMR compared to SR. Conclusions The introduction of a dedicated EMR service into a large regional center as an alternative to SR can lead to a substantial decrease in unnecessary surgery with subsequent clinical and financial benefits.

scholarly journals SPMSQ for risk stratification of older patients in the emergency department

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (S4) ◽  
pp. 222-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Schönstein ◽  
H.-W. Wahl ◽  
H. A. Katus ◽  
A. Bahrmann
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Composite Endpoint ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Nursing Home Admission ◽  
Initial Contact

Abstract Background Risk stratification of older patients in the emergency department (ED) is seen as a promising and efficient solution for handling the increase in demand for geriatric emergency medicine. Previously, the predictive validity of commonly used tools for risk stratification, such as the identification of seniors at risk (ISAR), have found only limited evidence in German geriatric patient samples. Given that the adverse outcomes in question, such as rehospitalization, nursing home admission and mortality, are substantially associated with cognitive impairment, the potential of the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ) as a tool for risk stratification of older ED patients was investigated. Objective To estimate the predictive validity of the SPMSQ for a composite endpoint of adverse events (e.g. rehospitalization, nursing home admission and mortality). Method This was a prospective cohort study with 260 patients aged 70 years and above, recruited in a cardiology ED. Patients with a likely life-expectancy below 24 h were excluded. Follow-up examinations were conducted at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month(s) after recruitment. Results The SPMSQ was found to be a significant predictor of adverse outcomes not at 1 month (area under the curve, AUC 0.55, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.46–0.63) but at 3 months (AUC 0.61, 95% CI 0.54–0.68), 6 months (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.56–0.70) and 12 months (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.56–0.70) after initial contact. Conclusion For longer periods of observation the SPMSQ can be a predictor of a composite endpoint of adverse outcomes even when controlled for a range of confounders. Its characteristics, specifically the low sensitivity, make it unsuitable as an accurate risk stratification tool on its own.

An epidemiological study of concomitant use of herbal medicine and antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients: implication for herb-drug interaction

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1536-1536
Author(s):  
Z.-J. Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Epidemiological Study ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Number Of Patients

Herb-drug interactions are an important issue in drug safety and clinical practice. The aim of this epidemiological study was to characterize associations of clinical outcomes with concomitant herbal and antipsychotic use in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 1795 patients with schizophrenia who were randomly selected from 17 psychiatric hospitals in China were interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. Association analyses were conducted to examine correlates between Chinese medicine (CM) use and demographic, clinical variables, antipsychotic medication mode, and clinical outcomes. The prevalence of concomitant CM and antipsychotic treatment was 36.4% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 34.2%–38.6%]. Patients using concomitant CM had a significantly greater chance of improved outcomes than non-CM use (61.1% vs. 34.3%, OR = 3.44, 95% CI 2.80–4.24). However, a small but significant number of patients treated concomitantly with CM had a greater risk of developing worse outcomes (7.2% vs. 4.4%, OR = 2.06, 95% CI 2.06–4.83). Significant predictors for concomitant CM treatment-associated outcomes were residence in urban areas, paranoid psychosis, and exceeding 3 months of CM use. Herbal medicine regimens containing Radix Bupleuri, Fructus Gardenia, Fructus Schisandrae, Radix Rehmanniae, Akebia Caulis, and Semen Plantaginis in concomitant use with quetiapine, clozapine, and olanzepine were associated with nearly 60% of the risk of adverse outcomes. Our study suggests that concomitant herbal and antipsychotic treatment could produce either beneficial or adverse clinical effects in schizophrenic population. Potential herb-drug pharmacokinetic interactions need to be further evaluated.

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