Decreased Emergency Department Research Articles

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric emergency department utilization in three regions in Switzerland.

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits. However, contradictory, and sparse data regarding children could not yet answer the question, how pediatric ED utilization evolved throughout the pandemic. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of the pandemic in three language regions of Switzerland by analyzing trends over time, describe regional differences, and address implications for future healthcare. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study at three Swiss tertiary pediatric EDs (March 1st, 2018-February 28th, 2022), analyzing the numbers of ED visits (including patients` age, triage categories, and urgent vs. non-urgent cases). The impact of COVID-19 related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on pediatric ED utilization was assessed by interrupted time series (ITS) modelling. Based on 304'438 ED visits, we found a drop of nearly 50% at the onset of NPIs, followed by a gradual recovery. This primarily affected children 0-4years, and both non-urgent and urgent cases. However, the decline in urgent visits appeared to be more pronounced in two centers compared to a third, where also hospitalization rates did not decrease significantly during the pandemic. A subgroup analysis showed a significant decrease in respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, and an increase in the proportion of trauma patients during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic had substantial effects on number and reasons for pediatric ED visits, particularly among children 0-4years. Despite equal regulatory conditions, the utilization dynamics varied markedly between the three regions, highlighting the multifactorial modification of pediatric ED utilization during the pandemic. Furthermore, future policy decisions should take regional differences into account.

Reducing Time from Pediatric Emergency Department Arrival to Dexamethasone Administration in Wheezing Patients.

Asthma exacerbations are common presentations to pediatric emergency departments. Standard treatment for moderate-to-severe exacerbations includes administration of oral corticosteroids concurrently with bronchodilators. Early administration of corticosteroids has been shown to decrease emergency department length of stay (LOS) and hospitalizations. Our SMART aim was to reduce the time from arrival to oral corticosteroids (dexamethasone) administration in pediatric patients ≥2 years of age with an initial Pediatric Asthma Severity Score >6 from 60 to 30 minutes within 6 months. We used the model for improvement with collaboration between ED physicians, nursing, pharmacy, and respiratory therapists. Interventions included nursing education, dosage rounding in the electronic medical record, supplying triage with 1-mg tablets and a pill crusher, updates to an asthma nursing order set and pertinent chief complaints triggering nurses to document a Pediatric Asthma Severity Score in the electronic medical record and use the order set. Our primary outcome measure was the time from arrival to dexamethasone administration. Secondary outcome measures included ED LOS for discharged patients and admission rate. We used statistical process control to analyze changes in measures over time. From October 2021 to March 2022, the average time for dexamethasone administration decreased from 59 to 38 minutes. ED LOS for discharged asthma exacerbation patients rose with overall ED LOS for all patients during the study period. There was no change in the admission rate. Using quality improvement methodology, we successfully decreased the time from ED arrival to administration of dexamethasone in asthma exacerbation patients from 59 to 38 minutes over 10 months.

Decreasing Emergency Department Visits After Surgery Among Patients at Risk for Postoperative Urinary Retention.

Decreasing Emergency Department Visits After Surgery Among Patients at Risk for Postoperative Urinary Retention.

A pilot project of a Post Discharge Care Team for firearm injury survivors decreases emergency department utilization, hospital readmission days, and cost.

Persons of low socioeconomic status are overrepresented in the firearm injury patient population and may experience challenges in accessing complex outpatient health systems. Consequently, outpatient care for these patients is plagued by poor follow-up and increased emergency department (ED) utilization. We developed a Post Discharge Care Team (PDCT) consisting of a dedicated trauma nurse navigator and medical social worker to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and outpatient care to improve recovery. Adult firearm injury survivors admitted to the trauma service were randomized 1:1 to receive either PDCT services or standard of care (SOC) workflows. The PDCT nurse provided education and set expectations regarding injuries, wound care, and outpatient follow-up. The PDCT social worker performed a comprehensive assessment to identify concerns including housing and financial instability, food insecurity, or transportation issues. The primary outcome was ED utilization, with secondary outcomes including readmissions and overall health care costs compared between groups. In the first 6 months of the study, a total of 44 patients were randomized to PDCT and 47 to SOC. There were 10 patients who visited the ED in the PDCT group compared with 16 in the SOC group ( p = 0.23) for a total of 14 and 23 ED visits, respectively. There were 14 patients in the PDCT and 11 patients in the SOC groups who were readmitted ( p = 0.31), but the PDCT group was readmitted for 27.9 fewer hospital days. After accounting for programmatic costs, the PDCT had a hospital savings of $34,542.71. A collaborative, specialized PDCT for firearm injury survivors consisting of a dedicated trauma nurse navigator and medical social worker decreased outpatient ED utilization, readmission days, and was cost effective. Trauma centers with high volumes of penetrating trauma should consider a similar model to improve outpatient care for firearm injury survivors. Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Factors predictive of hospital admission for children via emergency departments in Australia and Sweden: an observational cross-sectional study

BackgroundIdentifying factors predictive of hospital admission can be useful to prospectively inform bed management and patient flow strategies and decrease emergency department (ED) crowding. It is largely unknown if admission rate or factors predictive of admission vary based on the population to which the ED served (i.e., children only, or both adults and children). This study aimed to describe the profile and identify factors predictive of hospital admission for children who presented to four EDs in Australia and one ED in Sweden.MethodsA multi-site observational cross-sectional study using routinely collected data pertaining to ED presentations made by children < 18 years of age between July 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012. Univariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken to determine factors predictive of hospital admission.ResultsOf the 151,647 ED presentations made during the study period, 22% resulted in hospital admission. Admission rate varied by site; the children’s EDs in Australia had higher admission rates (South Australia: 26%, Queensland: 23%) than the mixed (adult and children’s) EDs (South Australia: 13%, Queensland: 17%, Sweden: 18%). Factors most predictive of hospital admission for children, after controlling for triage category, included hospital type (children’s only) adjusted odds ratio (aOR):2.3 (95%CI: 2.2–2.4), arrival by ambulance aOR:2.8 (95%CI: 2.7–2.9), referral from primary health aOR:1.5 (95%CI: 1.4–1.6) and presentation with a respiratory or gastrointestinal condition (aOR:2.6, 95%CI: 2.5–2.8 and aOR:1.5, 95%CI: 1.4–1.6, respectively). Predictors were similar when each site was considered separately.ConclusionsAlthough the characteristics of children varied by site, factors predictive of hospital admission were mostly similar. The awareness of these factors predicting the need for hospital admission can support the development of clinical pathways.

Factors Associated with Decreased Emergency Department Utilization after Written Asthma Action Plans

Factors Associated with Decreased Emergency Department Utilization after Written Asthma Action Plans

Code De-Escalation: Decreasing restraint use during agitation management in a community hospital emergency department

IntroductionRestraint use in the emergency department (ED) can pose significant risks to patients and health care workers. We evaluate the effectiveness of Code De-escalation– a standardized, team-based approach for management and assessment of threatening behaviors– in reducing physical restraint use and workplace violence in a community ED. MethodsA retrospective observational study of a pathway on physical restraint use among patients placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold in a community ED. This pathway includes a built-in step for the team members to systematically assess perceptions of threats from the patient behavior and threats perceived by the patient. Our primary outcome was the change in the rate of physical restraint use among patients on an involuntary psychiatric hold. Our secondary outcome was the change in the rate of workplace violence events involving all ED encounters. We evaluated our outcomes by comparing all encounters in a ten-month period before and after implementation, and compared our results to rates at neighboring community hospitals within the same hospital network. ResultsPre intervention there were 434 ED encounters involving a psychiatric hold, post-intervention there were 535. We observed a significant decrease in physical restraint use, from 7.4% to 3.7% (ARR 0.028 [95% CI 0.002–0.055], p < 0.05). This was not seen at the control sites. ConclusionsA standardized de-escalation algorithm can be effective in helping ED's decrease their use of physical restraints in management of psychiatric patients experiencing agitation.

Outpatient Management of Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crisis As a Strategy of Decreasing Emergency Department Visits

Background: Complications of sickle cell disease (SCD), including vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), usually require emergency room visits or even hospitalization for management. Outpatient treatment programs have been developed for management of VOC, however the literature is limited as to the efficacy of these models. Previously, patients in Edmonton, Canada followed by the Hemoglobinopathy Clinic would have to present to the emergency department (ED) for assessment of and management of VOC. Since 2019, patients experiencing early VOC symptoms were able to present to the Medical Outpatient Unit (MOU), an infusion clinic shared with other benign and malignant hematology conditions, to be assessed and receive treatment. This study retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of this treatment strategy. Hypothesis: Outpatient management of VOC is an effective way to assess patients and provide appropriate treatment, thereby reducing the frequency of ED presentations for SCD patients. Methods: Patients were able to schedule their own appointments and were encouraged to present early before they developed severe symptoms. They would be assessed by a nurse, who could then release orders from their personalized pain plan, which is a standing set of orders from an SCD clinic physician. Examples of orders include intravenous fluids and pain medications. Based on the severity of symptoms, patients could also be referred to the ED or for assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner. Chart review of patients aged 18 years or older with SCD followed by the Edmonton Hemoglobinopathy Clinic and who presented to MOU from November 2019 to December 2022 for management of VOC was completed. Information gathered included if the patient was on hydroxyurea at the time, investigations ordered, treatments administered, if NP or physician assessment was required, and disposition following the encounter. Encounters within 7 days were counted as one episode and assumed to be the same VOC event. Visits to ED for this cohort were counted and compared to the number of ED visits from 2016 to 2018. Results: 26 SCD patients had at least one MOU encounter for VOC or prophylaxis resulting in a total of 136 encounters (median 2, maximum 25). These accounted for 96 separate episodes of VOC (median 2, maximum 19), with a median of 1 encounter to MOU per episode (maximum 5). Patient demographics had a mean age of 32 years as of the beginning of the study (maximum 65, minimum 16) with 14 males (54%) and 12 females (46%). Patient diagnoses included 10 with HbSS (38%), 12 with HbSC (46%), 3 with HbSD (12%), and 1 with HbSB° (4%). 21 of 26 patients (81%) were on hydroxyurea at some point during this time period. IV fluids were administered in 129 encounters (95%), and pain medications were given in 64 encounters (47%), with opioid medications being given in 24 encounters (18%). 109 encounters had assessment by a nurse only (80%), while 24 were also assessed by a nurse practitioner (18%) and only 3 required assessment by a physician (2%). Patients were discharged home in 134 of 136 encounters (99%), with only 2 encounters resulting in assessment in ED. 70 of 96 episodes of VOC treated in MOU did not have presentation to ED within 30 days (73%). Total ED visits for this cohort decreased from 59 in 2016-2018 to 38 during the time of this study. Conclusion: Treatment of VOC in an outpatient setting was effective for assessment and treatment and decreased ED visits in our cohort. While retrospective, these results suggest outpatient treatment of VOC can be completed safely and efficiently in a shared infusion unit and may be generalized to other centres with outpatient IV infusion programs.

2624. The Usual Suspects: A Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Respiratory Viral Testing During the Pandemic

Abstract Background Contention measures implemented during the pandemic drastically changed the epidemiology of viral respiratory infections. Some reports have shown a sharp decrease in Emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses in the first months of the pandemic with an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Enterovirus (EV) in subsequent months. The concern caused by COVID-19 during the beginning of the pandemic may have led healthcare professionals to underdiagnose other respiratory viral infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the behavior of viral infection through the pandemic. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine temporal changes in respiratory panel use and viral epidemiology in the pediatric ED from 2018 to 2022. Medical records were used to determine ICU admission and mortality in those with a positive respiratory panel. Results During the study period, a total of 10,000 respiratory PCR panels were performed in the pediatric ED. There was a significant increase in mean number of panels performed per year during the pandemic period compared to two years prior (2899 vs 198 panels/year). However, the Positivity rate decreased considerably during the pandemic (38.27% vs. 63.54%). Of the 10,000 panels performed, COVID-19 was identified in in 993 cases (9.93%), while other respiratory viruses were identified in 31.27% of cases. The most prevalent virus identified were EV (n=1411, 14.9%) and RSV (n=483, 5.1%). These viruses also had the highest rate of ICU admission and mortality. Patients that tested positive for COVID-19 had a lower rate of ICU admission compared to those infected by other viruses (RR=0.88; CI95%=0.78-0.99). Additionally, the mortality rate associated with COVID-19 was significantly lower than that of other viruses (RR=0.62; CI95%=0.49-0.79). PCR Panel Positivity Rate and Viral Infections in Pediatrics ED from 2018-2022 PCR viral panel tests performed, positive tests, and viral isolates from 2018 to 2022 Conclusion The pandemic increased the use of PCR testing for respiratory illnesses, providing a better picture of seasonal epidemiology of viral infections. Although COVID-19 infection in children was a major of concern, this report shows that throughout the pandemic other viruses were more prevalent and significantly more severe. This study serves as a reminder than even in times of emerging infections, healthcare professionals shouldn’t forget the usual causes of infection. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Correlation Between Remote Symptom Reporting by Caregivers and Adverse Clinical Outcomes: Mixed Methods Study.

Timely collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) decreases emergency department visits and hospitalizations and increases survival. However, little is known about the outcome predictivity of unpaid informal caregivers' reporting using similar clinical outcome assessments. The aim of this study is to assess whether caregivers and adults with cancer adhered to a planned schedule for electronically collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and if PROs were associated with future clinical events. We developed 2 iPhone apps to collect PROs, one for patients with cancer and another for caregivers. We enrolled 52 patient-caregiver dyads from Kaiser Permanente Northern California in a nonrandomized study. Participants used the apps independently for 4 weeks. Specific clinical events were obtained from the patients' electronic health records up to 6 months following the study. We used logistic and quasi-Poisson regression analyses to test associations between PROs and clinical events. Participants completed 97% (251/260) of the planned Patient-Reported Outcomes Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) surveys and 98% (254/260) of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) surveys. PRO-CTCAE surveys completed by caregivers were associated with patients' hospitalizations or emergency department visits, grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events, dose reductions (P<.05), and hospice referrals (P=.03). PROMIS surveys completed by caregivers were associated with hospice referrals (P=.02). PRO-CTCAE surveys completed by patients were not associated with any clinical events, but their baseline PROMIS surveys were associated with mortality (P=.03), while their antecedent or final PROMIS surveys were associated with all clinical events examined except for total days of treatment breaks. In this study, caregivers and patients completed PROs using smartphone apps as requested. The association of caregiver PRO-CTCAE surveys with patient clinical events suggests that this is a feasible approach to reducing patient burden in clinical trial data collection and may help provide early information about increasing symptom severity.

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) implementation in urban underserved family medicine practices.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based practice that provides early integrated intervention and treatment to patients with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and/or Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Three Primary Care Medical Homes (PCMHs) in North Texas were selected as pilot sites for a SAMHSA grant designed to integrate SBIRT into existing services. The goal of this program is to support the stabilization and community reintegration of individuals who present with SUD by providing them with a continuum of care from screening, to brief intervention, to brief treatment, to referral for more advanced services. Specific aims of the grant included: provide SBIRT services to eligible participants, decrease substance and alcohol use at 6-month follow-up, improve patient physical and behavioral health measured at 6months, and decrease in emergency department visits and costs for program participants. This brief report examines project design, outlines the implementation strategies, and provides preliminary results.

53 Adolescent Dialectical Behaviour Therapy: Levels of Care

Abstract Introduction/Background A growing body of research supports the efficacy of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for adolescents with various mental health diagnoses, but a traditional DBT program uses intensive resources (weekly individual and group therapy). To see whether a less intensive program could benefit certain participants, a complementary program called “DBT Lite” was designed and implemented at a large acute care Children’s Hospital. The group format (youth and parents together), therapeutic principals and coping skills taught were the same (based on “DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents”, Miller &amp; Rathus, 2014), but DBT Lite involved only group therapy, and was offered over a shorter time frame (12 weeks vs. 19 weeks). Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of “DBT Full” and “DBT Lite” on improving emotion regulation and family functioning/parental stress and decreasing emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations among adolescents age 13-17 with mental health diagnoses. Participants were not randomized; the treatment was selected according to severity of illness. We hypothesized that both treatment programs would show benefits but that “Full DBT” would result in greater improvements than “DBT Lite” due to its more comprehensive treatment model. Design/Methods Data was collected prospectively pre- and post-treatment from youth and parents participating in both programs over a 3-year period. The primary outcome measures were the DERS (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale), the FACES-IV (Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, 4th Ed), and the PSS (Parental Stress Scale). Results were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests. We also examined ED and hospital admission data 6 months prior to starting the group and 6 months following completion of the group. Results In “Full DBT”, emotion regulation improved in both youth (n=9) and parents (n=12) post-treatment (DERS total score: youth p=0.02; parents p=0.01). Parents reported significant improvements on measures of parental stress (PSS p=0.002), and family functioning (FACES-IV family communication p=0.000, satisfaction p=0.008, and overall family functioning p=0.002). However, these improvements were not significant in youth measures. In “DBT Lite”, youth (n=16) and parents (n=17) did not report significant improvements in emotion regulation or family functioning, but did report decreases in parental stress (PSS p=0.005). Both groups resulted in measurable differences in acute care use: the percentage of patients with ED presentations 6 months pre- vs. 6 months post-group decreased from 70% to 27% for “Lite”, and 81% to 50% for “Full”. The percentage of patients requiring hospital admission decreased from 13% to 10% for “Lite”, and 56% to 28% for “Full”. Conclusion These results suggest that although “DBT Lite” may not have the same family functioning and emotion regulation benefits as its full-service counterpart, it can still reduce parental stress and decrease use of acute care resources. This study confirms the patient and family benefits of a full DBT program, but also has important implications for centres with limited mental health resources, given that “Full DBT” requires 38 clinician hours per patient to deliver, versus 12 hours for “DBT Lite”.

Drivers that decrease hospital-delivered care in children with medical complexity: Parental perspectives

Abstract Background and objective Children with medical complexity (CMC) have chronic and severe conditions leading to medical fragility. CMC represent less than 1% of children but account for one-third of paediatric healthcare expenditures. Enrollment to a complex care program (CCP) decreases health care resource utilization while improving parental satisfaction. An in-depth understanding of how these changes operate in real-world setting is needed to further support CMC and their families. This study aimed at assessing the possible reasons for a decrease in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalization length of stay related to enrollment to a CCP, based on parental perspectives. Study design Using a qualitative approach, data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents of CMC enrolled in a CCP from a university hospital centre in Montreal, Canada. The interview guide was co-constructed by an interdisciplinary team, including a parent partner and a clinical nurse coordinator. Themes have been identified inductively, using thematic analysis. Results Parents identified personalized care, family empowerment and guidance as enablers arising from the CCP that contributed to the decrease in hospital-delivered care utilization. Improvement in medical baseline condition was also identified as a contributing factor, while not necessarily related to program’s support. Conclusions In this study, we identified personalized care, parental empowerment, and guidance as three strategies for a CCP to potentially decrease ED visits and hospital length of stay, from the parents’ perspective. Parents identified the clinical nurse coordinator as playing a central role in supporting the implementation of these strategies.

Telemedicine consultation for emergency patients’ attention: a clinical experience from a high complex university hospital from Latin America

IntroductionAs a result of the new coronavirus pandemic, a highly complex academic hospital in Latin America implemented a telemedicine service for the care of obstetric, pediatric, and adult patients. In 2020, regional emergency services collapsed due to the increase in demand for care, generating the need to open expansion services and seek strategies to provide timely care to consulting patients.ObjectiveWe retrospectively describe the clinical experience of patients who consulted the emergency department via telemedicine across a videoconference tool using digital platforms.MethodsA descriptive study with retrospective data collection was conducted to describe the implementation of the teleconsultation care model for patients. We constructed the clinical process indicators to evaluate the model.ResultsA total of 4652 teleconsultations were registered. Telemedicine consultation was above 50% in the country and department and above 90% in Cali city. The average waiting time for care was estimated to be 1:59:52 h. A total of 275 patients were transferred to the emergency room after consultation. The principal reasons for consultation in the institutional telemedicine program were respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Teleconsultations related to SARS-COV 2 infections reported 3775 patients (3127 with unidentified virus and 648 with the identified virus).ConclusionsTelemedicine is a tool that provides support and guidance to patients who consult emergency departments, reducing barriers to access health care and decreasing emergency department collapse.

Using a chatbot to reduce emergency department visits and unscheduled hospitalizations among patients with gynecologic malignancies during chemotherapy: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundA chatbot is an automatic text-messaging tool that creates a dynamic interaction and simulates a human conversation through text or voice via smartphones or computers. A chatbot could be an effective solution for cancer patients' follow-up during treatment, and could save time for healthcare providers. ObjectiveWe conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate whether a chatbot-based collection of patient-reported symptoms during chemotherapy, with automated alerts to clinicians, could decrease emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. A control group received usual care. MethodsSelf-reporting symptoms were communicated via the chatbot, a Facebook Messenger-based interface for patients with gynecologic malignancies. The chatbot included questions about common symptoms experienced during chemotherapy. Patients could also use the text-messaging feature to speak directly to the chatbot, and all reported outcomes were monitored by a cancer manager. The primary and secondary outcomes of the study were emergency department visits and unscheduled hospitalizations after initiation of chemotherapy after diagnosis of gynecologic malignancies. Multivariate Poisson regression models were applied to assess the adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) for chatbot use for ED visits and unscheduled hospitalizations after controlling for age, cancer stage, type of malignancy, diabetes, hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency, and coronary heart disease. ResultTwenty patients were included in the chatbot group, and 43 in the usual-care group. Significantly lower aIRRs for chatbot use for ED visits (0.27; 95% CI 0.11–0.65; p = 0.003) and unscheduled hospitalizations (0.31; 95% CI 0.11–0.88; p = 0.028) were noted. Patients using the chatbot approach had lower aIRRs of ED visits and unscheduled hospitalizations compared to usual-care patients. ConclusionsThe chatbot was helpful for reducing ED visits and unscheduled hospitalizations in patients with gynecologic malignancies who were receiving chemotherapy. These findings are valuable for inspiring the future design of digital health interventions for cancer patients.

Reducing Ileostomy Readmissions: Using Implementation Science to Evaluate the Adoption of a Quality Improvement Initiative.

Translating empirical evidence into clinical practice remains challenging. Prevention of morbidity from new ileostomies may serve as an example. Despite evidence demonstrating improvements in electrolyte levels, kidney function markers, and hospital readmissions, widespread adoption of oral rehydration solutions among patients with new ileostomies has not occurred. The causes of low uptake are unknown and likely multifactorial. We used the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance implementation science framework to identify barriers and facilitators in the adoption of a quality improvement initiative aimed at decreasing emergency department visits and hospital readmissions because of dehydration among patients with new ileostomies using oral rehydration solutions. Qualitative interviews were conducted with stakeholders based on the domains of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Participating community and academic hospitals across Michigan (n = 12). Convenience sampling was used to recruit 25 key stakeholders, including wound, ostomy, and continence nurses; registered nurses; nurse practitioners; nurse managers; colorectal surgeons; surgery residents; physician assistants; and data abstractors (1-4 participants per site). Through qualitative content analysis, we located, analyzed, and identified patterns using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. We identified the following factors to increase the adoption of quality improvement initiatives at the provider level: 1) selection and coaching of champions, 2) broadening of multidisciplinary teams, 3) performing structured patient follow-up, and 4) addressing long-term sustainability concerns regarding cost and equity. Limited to high-volume ileostomy surgery hospitals, did not include in-person site visits to each hospital before and after implementation, and did not consider the hospital- and patient-level factors that impact the widespread adoption of quality improvement initiatives. Integrating implementation science frameworks to rigorously study quality improvement initiatives may reveal the determinants of the widespread adoption of evidence-based practices. ANTECEDENTES:Traducir la evidencia empírica a la práctica clínica sigue siendo un desafío. La prevención de la morbilidad por nuevas ileostomías puede servir como ejemplo. A pesar de la evidencia que demuestra mejoras en los niveles de electrolitos, marcadores de función renal y reingresos hospitalarios, no se ha producido una adopción generalizada de soluciones de rehidratación oral entre pacientes con nuevas ileostomías. Las causas de la baja captación son desconocidas y probablemente multifactoriales.OBJETIVO:Empleamos Alcance, Eficacia, Adopción, Implementación y Mantenimiento, un marco de las ciencias de implementación, para identificar barreras y facilitadores en la adopción de una iniciativa de mejora de la calidad destinada a disminuir las visitas al departamento de emergencias y los reingresos hospitalarios debido a la deshidratación entre los pacientes con nuevos ileostomías utilizando soluciones de rehidratación oral.DISEÑO:Se realizaron entrevistas cualitativas con las partes interesadas basadas en los dominios del marco de Alcance, Efectividad, Adopción, Implementación y Mantenimiento.CONFIGURACIÓN:Hospitales académicos y comunitarios participantes a través de Michigan (n = 12).PARTICIPANTES:Se utilizó un muestreo por conveniencia para reclutar a 25 partes interesadas clave, incluyendo enfermeras de heridas, ostomía y continencia; enfermeras registradas; enfermeras practicantes; gerentes de enfermera; cirujanos colorrectales; residentes de cirugía; asistentes médicos; y extractores de datos (1-4 participantes por sitio).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:A través del análisis de contenido cualitativo, localizamos, analizamos e identificamos patrones utilizando el marco de Alcance, Eficacia, Adopción, Implementación y Mantenimiento.RESULTADOS:Identificamos los siguientes factores para aumentar la adopción de iniciativas de mejora de la calidad a nivel de proveedores: 1) selección y entrenamiento de campeones, 2) ampliación de equipos multidisciplinarios, 3) seguimiento estructurado de pacientes y 4) abordaje a largo plazo. preocupaciones de sostenibilidad con respecto al costo y la equidad.LIMITACIONES:Limitado a hospitales de cirugía de ileostomía de alto volumen, incapaz de realizar visitas en persona a cada hospital antes y después de la implementación, no considera los factores a nivel del hospital y del paciente que afectan la adopción generalizada de iniciativas de mejora de la calidad.CONCLUSIONES:La integración de marcos científicos de implementación para estudiar rigurosamente las iniciativas de mejora de la calidad puede revelar los determinantes de la adopción generalizada de prácticas basadas en la evidencia. (Traducción-Dr. Aurian Garcia Gonzalez ).

Effects of a Nurse-Initiated Telephone Care Path for Pain Management in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy.

This quality improvement project aimed to determine whether a nurse-initiated telephone care path could decrease emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and pain levels for patients with head and neck cancer receivi.

Febrile Neutropenia: Improving Care Through an Oncology Acute Care Clinic.

Patients with cancer are at risk for oncologic emergencies, including febrile neutropenia (FN). Timely treatment of FN can prevent complications. Providing this care in the outpatient setting has been shown to be safe and effective. This project implemented and evaluated a new process using an outpatient acute care clinic (ACC) to manage FN in patients with hematologic cancer. The aims were to reduce the time from fever identification to antibiotic administration, decrease emergency department (ED) visit rates, and evaluate patient satisfaction. Using a pre-/postimplementation design, an interprofessional team was educated about a new process of caring for patients with hematologic cancer and FN at an outpatient ACC using a comprehensive algorithm. 31 patients participated in the project (15 pre- and 16 postimplementation). Time to antibiotic administration decreased from 144.88 minutes to 63.69 minutes. Participant visits to the ED decreased by 2.33 times per month on average. Overall, patients were satisfied with the ACC. These findings support using a dedicated outpatient ACC for patients with FN receiving hematology care.

Need of Point of Care Ultrasound Training in Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice: A Wake-Up Call for the Low-Income Countries.

POCUS is the acquisition, interpretation, and rapid clinical integration of ultrasonographic imaging performed by the treating physician at the patient's bedside. It is used in the field Emergency Medicine to assist in diagnosing and managing various clinical conditions ranging from undifferentiated shock, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest, which have shown a positive impact on clinical decision-making, resulting in a decreased emergency department and hospital length of stay. POCUS is also a valuable diagnostic tool in managing pediatric patients for whom radiation exposure is a significant concern. It is used to aid in diagnosing and managing various pediatric medical and surgical emergencies. Despite the evident literature regarding the utility of POCUS in Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEM) practice, there is a lack of specialized training for pediatric emergency physicians, especially in low-income countries. Therefore, this comment emphasizes the need for POCUS training in PEM.

Reasons for Avoiding their Local Clinics among Non-emergency Patients at Accident and Emergency Department, Pretoria, South Africa

Background: An accident and emergency department (AED) is designated for patients who need to be seen urgently. However, at Jubilee Hospital, a large number of patients regularly presented directly to the AED with minor ailments. This resulted in long queues in the already overcrowded waiting room. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a sample of 289 participants. Results: Those aged 21-40 years accounted for 44.6% of the participants. Patients mainly arrived on Fridays (72%), and medical-related complaints (128; 44.3%) were the most prevalent. In addition, patients primarily relied on public transportation to get there (180; 62.1%). In most cases, patients had previously visited clinics more than twice (141; 58.8%). Majority of patients were aware of the community health centres’ services. Only 33.6% of the clinics that were bypassed provided services 24 hours a day. Almost 80% of bypassed clinics were within 10 km of the District Hospital. Patients’ main reasons were long queues (89.6%) and medication shortages (67.6%). In 51.2% of cases, patients were aware of the referral system, but 14.5% did not think it made sense, and 11% did not understand it well. Conclusion: Proper strict application of the triage system and education of patients will decrease emergency department overcrowding. This will improve patient safety, clinical outcomes and the efficiency of the health system. In addition, changing local clinics’ operating hours will assist in reducing the high number of patients seen at Jubilee Hospital.