Patient Disposition Research Articles

Engaging Multidisciplinary Teams to Develop Pragmatic Clinical Practice Guidelines to Support Management of Patients With High-Risk Breast Lesions

IntroductionWe sought to develop clinical guidelines within our multidisciplinary Breast Center to support decision-making for managing high-risk breast lesions. The objective is to describe the process used to develop these guidelines and assess perceived acceptability. MethodsWe recruited clinical stakeholders to identify key “high-risk” topics. Stakeholder groups (surgery, radiology, pathology) met separately to review the topics, leveraging existing literature reviews and best available evidence. Guidelines were initially developed in 2015 and updated in 2019. We surveyed breast clinical team members in 2023 regarding the perceived acceptability of the guidelines and summarized the data. ResultsWe created clinical guidelines to address the management of atypical ductal hyperplasia, flat epithelial atypia, atypical lobular hyperplasia/lobular carcinoma in situ, radial scar/complex sclerosing lesion, and papillomas. Key guideline components included process for radiologic-pathologic correlation, patient disposition after biopsy (surgical referral needed, follow-up imaging recommended), recommendation for the role of surgical excision, and recommendation regarding imaging follow-up if excision not performed. Forty clinical team members (66% [40/60] response rate) completed the acceptability survey from varied disciplines. Most (78%) were aware of the guidelines. Respondents rated the recommendations for disposition after biopsy, surgical management, and follow-up imaging as the most helpful components. Most (> 80%) rated them to be very/extremely useful. ConclusionWe leveraged input from key stakeholders to develop clinical guidelines to support the multidisciplinary management of patients with high-risk breast lesions. Our guidelines have been successfully implemented across our academic and community practice. Future steps will assess the impact of implementation on clinical outcomes.

Epidemiology of Barbell Weightlifting-Related Head and Neck Injuries in the United States: A 10-Year Analysis of National Injury Data.

Our primary objective was to identify and describe trends in head and neck injuries incurred while participating in barbell weightlifting. Cross-sectional analysis. National database. We used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from 2014 to 2023. Population characteristics of barbell-related injuries (NEISS Code 3265), including age and sex distributions, were recorded. We further analyzed the distribution of injury anatomic locations, injury types, fracture locations, and patient dispositions. To identify statistical significance, nonparametric tests were performed. Between 2014 and 2023, 3105 cases of barbell-related head and neck injuries were identified, predominantly in males (n = 2227, 71.7%) with a mean age of 27.7 years (SD: 11.9 years). The majority of patients (n = 2193, 74.5%) were treated and released, while 71 patients (2.3%) required hospital admission. The most affected body part was the head (n = 1,368, 44.1%), followed by the neck (n = 993, 32%), the face (n = 614, 19.8%), the mouth (n = 108, 3.5%), and the ear (n = 22, 0.7%). The most common location of injury was a recreational or sports facility (n = 1143; 36.8%), with other significant locations being the home (n = 542; 17.5%), and unspecified locations (n = 1065; 34.3%). Lacerations were the most common injury type (n = 682; 32.4%). Moreover, lacerations were more significantly associated with barbell weightlifting at home (P < .001) than in a recreational or sports facility. This study demonstrates that a substantial number of barbell-related injuries occur above the shoulder. This knowledge can inform the development of safety measures, including potential reforms in rules, regulations, and protective equipment.

Standardizing the evaluation and management of iron deficiency anemia secondary to heavy menstrual bleeding in the emergency department.

Comprehensive guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) presenting to the emergency department (ED) are lacking, leading to variability in care. We aimed to standardize the evaluation and management of these patients through the development and implementation of an evidence-based algorithm using quality improvement methodology. Baseline data of the target population identified variability across four key measures of clinical management: therapy choice and administration, laboratory evaluation, hematology service consultation, and patient disposition. Literature review and consensus from pediatric hematology and gynecology providers informed a draft algorithm that was refined in an iterative multidisciplinary process. From December 2022 to July 2023, we aimed to achieve a 25% relative increase in patients to receive optimal management per the algorithm, while using sequential Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. Process measures focusing on provider documentation and balancing measures, such as ED length of stay, were assessed concurrently. Forty-nine patients were evaluated during four PDSA cycles. Improvement of ≥40% above baseline regarding recommended therapy administration was achieved across four PDSA cycles. Adherence to recommended therapy choice improved from 57% (baseline) to 100%, minimal laboratory evaluation from 14% to 83%, hematology consultation from 36% to 100%, and appropriate disposition from 71% to 100%. ED length of stay remained stable. Implementation of a standardized algorithm for management of IDA secondary to HMB in adolescents in the ED increased adherence to evidence-based patient care.

Impact of the Hospital Frailty Risk Score on Outcomes following Primary Total Elbow Arthroplasty

The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) has demonstrated strong correlation with adverse outcomes in various joint replacement surgeries, yet its applicability in total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) remains unexplored. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between HFRS and postoperative complications following elective primary TEA. The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried to identify patients undergoing primary TEA from 2016 to 2020. The HFRS was used to compare medical, surgical, and clinical outcomes of frail vs. non-frail patients. Mean and relative costs, total hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge disposition for frail and non-frail patients were also compared. We identified 2,049 primary TEA in frail patients and 3,693 in non-frail patients. Frail patients had increased complication rates including acute respiratory failure (13.6% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001), urinary tract infections (12.3% vs. 0.0%; p < 0.001), transfusions (3.9% vs. 1.1%; p < 0.001), pneumonia (1.1% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.001), acute respiratory distress syndrome (3.2% vs 0.6%; p < 0.001), sepsis (0.7% vs. 0.1%; p < 0.001), and hardware failure (1.2% vs 0.1%; p < 0.001). Frail patients also experienced higher rates of readmission (37% vs. 25%; p < 0.001) and death (1.7% vs. 0.2%; p < 0.001), while being less likely to undergo revision (6.5% vs. 17%; p < 0.001). Frail patients incurred higher healthcare costs ($28,497 vs. $23,377; p < 0.001) and longer LOS (5.3 days vs. 2.6 days; p < 0.001), with reduced likelihood of routine hospital stays (36% vs. 71%; p < 0.001) and increased utilization of short-term hospitalization (p < 0.001), care facilities (p < 0.001), and home health care services (p < 0.001). HFRS is a validated indicator of frailty and is strongly associated with increased rates of complications in patients undergoing elective primary TEA. These findings should be considered by orthopedic surgeons when assessing surgical candidacy and discussing treatment options in this at-risk patient population.

A patient-centric chest pain management approach utilizing a high sensitivity Troponin-I assay

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the impact of adoption of a new cardiac chest pain pathway that included hs-cTnI in the emergency department (ED) when evaluating chest pain patients. MethodsA new pathway incorporating both hs-cTnI testing (Seimens Healthineers Atellica) and risk stratification tools was developed. The impact of the new algorithm was assessed through a retrospective observational review of patients admitted to the ED with chest pain before implementation and after implementation. Before implementation, the conventional Seimens troponin Vista assay was utilized without a defined algorithmic approach. Bivariate analyses were performed comparing the time periods to determine differences in patient discharge dispositions, length of stay, outcomes, and rate of diagnostic cardiac catheterization. ResultsThe proportion of patients discharged from the ED increased while the proportion of patients placed in observation or admitted as in-patient decreased. Variation amongst providers regarding patient disposition decreased. The stress testing rate of patients placed in observation decreased over baseline. There was no change in 30-day MACE rate, but there was a decrease in 30-day MI rate. ConclusionsThe new standardized hs-cTnI algorithm approach is safe as demonstrated by no change in 30-day MACE and is also more appropriate and efficient for patients presenting to the ED with chest pain compared to the non-standardized approach with cTnI used previously.

Red blood cell transfusion in a tertiary Haitian hospital’s emergency department: patient characteristics and availability challenges

BackgroundRed blood cell (RBC) transfusions are essential for many patients admitted to emergency departments (ED). However, accessibility to red cell transfusions is often limited, especially in low-income countries such as Haiti. This article aims to determine the proportion of patients requiring emergency transfusion, transfused patients’ characteristics, as well as the response rate and timeliness of blood product delivery for requests made.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted among all patients with RBC transfusion indications from January to June 2022 at the ED of Mirebalais Teaching Hospital. The parameters studied included transfusion indications, pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels, and delay from prescription to transfusion.ResultsDuring the study period, 3993 patients received treatment in the ED. The proportion of patients requiring RBCs was 7.69%, including 145 males and 117 females, with a median age of 43 [30–56] years. Only 21.7% of these patients received a transfusion. The average pre-transfusion hemoglobin level was 4.75 ± 1.68 g/dL. The most common transfusion’s indications were infection/sepsis (36.74%), trauma (23.48%), and cancer (21.57%). The median time delay from prescription to transfusion was 2.37 [0.97–4.93] days. The study identified significant associations between RBC transfusion probability and patient factors like hemoglobin levels, patient disposition, urgency of RBC request, and length of stay.ConclusionRBC transfusion requests are frequent in the ED of Mirebalais Teaching Hospital, with a relatively high transfusion delay. Further studies on the relevance of RBC requests and ways to reduce delay from prescription to transfusion would be beneficial to improve this situation.

Cardiac Arrest Mortality and Disposition Patterns in United States Emergency Departments.

Background: Despite resuscitative efforts, cardiac arrest (CA) continues to result in high mortality and poor prognosis. However, a gap remains in understanding the comparative outcomes of efforts in emergency departments (ED) over recent years. This study evaluated patients with CA during ED visits, with a particular focus on outcomes of mortality and transition of care. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database. The study population included patients aged 18 years or older who visited the ED between January 2016 and December 2020. Statistical analysis of patients and hospital characteristics included chi-squared tests for independence and multivariable logistic regression models to report the associations of factors with mortality in the ED and disposition from the ED. The primary outcome measured was mortality in the ED, and the secondary outcome included transition of care. Results: A total of 699,822,424 ED visits occurred between 2016 and 2020, with 1,414,060 (0.20%) CAs. The survival rate from CA ranged from 24.6% to 28.1%. In 2020, the rate of ED CA increased to 0.27%, with an inpatient mortality rate of 58.8%. There was no significant difference in mortality between sexes (p = 0.690). There was a trend for higher mortality in the ED among patients who were self-paid. Notably, the odds of transfer from the ED to other hospitals were significantly lower in minority groups. Conclusions: Our results showed significant disparities in ED mortality and patient disposition following cardiac arrest, highlighting the need for equitable healthcare resources and policies.

Evaluation of patients' perception of a blockchain system for prescription management

The management of medical prescriptions without computational system can result in errors and security issues. This study, conducted in Monclova, Coahuila, evaluates the perception and disposition of patients from public and private health services towards implementing a secure computational system to improve prescription and medical record management. A survey of 68 adults, using a mixed research methodology. The results indicate that a secure and low-cost computational system would have positive acceptance among the population, thereby validating the researcher's hypothesis. In conclusion, it was determined that a secure computational system is a feasible solution to improve the management of medical prescriptions, would be accepted by most of the patients, and could serve as a basis for future developments in other areas of the healthcare sector. The literature on blockchain in prescription management supports the system’s benefits. A 10% margin of error was used to maintain validity with a smaller sample size.

Clinical presentations and dispositions of transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in southern Thailand: A retrospective study

Clinical presentations and dispositions of transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in southern Thailand: A retrospective study

Predicting mortality in geriatric patients with fever in the emergency departments: a prospective validation study

ObjectiveEmergency physicians are always faced with the challenge of choosing the appropriate disposition for elderly patients in order to ensure an acceptable care plan and effective use of resources. A clinical decision rule, Geriatric Fever Score (GFS) has been proposed but not validated to help ED physicians with decision-making. This rule employs leukocytosis, severe coma, and thrombocytopenia as predictors of 30-day mortality. Through our study determines the performance of this clinical prediction rule in a prospective study in a setting different from where it was developed.Method and materialsIn this prospective cohort study in a 1200-bed tertiary care, patients older than 65 years old who visited the ED with fever were enrolled. All elements of the rule were collected and the total score was calculated for each patient. Patients were also categorized as low risk (score 0–1) or high risk (score ≥ 2). Thirty-day follow-up was performed to determine the patient outcome (survival or mortality).ResultsA total of 296 patients were included in our final analysis. The mortality rate was 33.1% for patients with a Score of 0, 42.1% for a score of 1, 57.1% for a score of 2, and 100% for a score of 3. When divided into two risk groups, patients’ mortality rates were as follows: low risk group 37.9% and high-risk group 40.5%.ConclusionOur study showed that elderly patients who present to ED with fever and have a score of 2 or higher on the Geriatric Fever Score are at higher risk of mortality at 30 days.

Opioid Administration in the Trauma Bay for Minor Injuries Does Not Improve Disposition.

Opioid usage in the trauma bay is a common practice for pain management. We evaluated the administration of opioids to patients with minimal injury to determine disposition and factors for opioid administration. A retrospective study at a single institution was conducted utilizing records of trauma activations with an ISS of 3 or less between 1/1/2022 and 10/29/2022. Patients who are incarcerated, pregnant, or received an opioid prior to arrival were excluded. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests, and continuous variables were analyzed using t-tests. 557 patients met inclusion criteria. One in five patients were administered an opioid (22%). The majority of patients who received opioids were between the ages of 25 and 44 (OR 1.218 [.693, 2.141]), black (OR 3.077 [2.066, 4.584]), and had Medicaid insurance (OR 1.390 [.883, 2.187]). Patients who received an opioid reported a higher pain level (8 [6, 9] v 5 [2, 8], P = .0001), despite no difference in ISS. No significant difference was found in patient dispositions (P = .1759). When fentanyl was administered, doses greater than 50mcg were administered to highest activation level trauma patients (40% v 10% P = .0001). Opioid administration for patients with minor injuries does not improve patient disposition. The majority of patients with minor injuries being treated with opioids are young, black, and Medicaid patients. This research suggests consideration for establishing a non-opioid analgesic medication as first-line pain management for patients without evidence of significant injury on initial evaluation.

A Simple Frailty Index Predicts Inhospital Mortality

Introduction: Comparing frailty models in different settings that predict inhospital mortality might modify patient disposition and treatment, but models are often complex. Methods: In the following study, we selected all acutely admitted adult patients in 2020–2021 to the three internal medicine departments at a regional 400-bed hospital. We attempt to determine (a) if a new scale (Laniado-4 scale) that includes only three yes/no questions derived from the Norton scale and the presence of a urinary catheter performs as well as the graded Norton scale (including all five domains), in predicting inhospital mortality and (b) to determine the predictive value of a simple frailty index that includes the new scale as well as categories of age, serum albumin, and creatinine values. We calculated odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and c-statistics for the various models predicting inhospital mortality. Results: The mean patient age was 73 ± 19 years, and 49.1% (5,665/11,542) were males. A Laniado-4 scale performed better than the Norton scale for predicting inhospital mortality. A simple frailty index ranging from 0 to ≥8 points was associated with rates of inhospital mortality that increased from 0 to 37.7%, with an odds ratio of 2.13 (2.03–2.25) per 1 index point. The c-statistic was 0.887 (0.881–0.893). Conclusions: We conclude the Laniado-4 scale performed better than the Norton scale in predicting inhospital mortality and that a simple frailty index that included the 4-question scale and categories of age, serum creatinine, and serum albumin performed as well or better than more complicated models.

Comparison of initial adenosine dose conversion rate for supraventricular tachycardia in the emergency department

ObjectiveTo evaluate the rate of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) termination between 6 mg and 12 mg initial adenosine doses. MethodsThis multi-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022 in SVT and received adenosine. The primary objective of the study is to compare the rate of SVT termination between adenosine 6 mg and 12 mg as documented on a formal electrocardiogram. Secondary endpoints include termination of SVT with subsequent adenosine dose, time to ED disposition, adverse effects, and subgroup analyses of patients with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2 and a history of SVT. ResultsOf 213 patients included, a 6 mg initial adenosine dose was administered to 117 patients (54.9 %) and a 12 mg initial adenosine dose was administered to 96 patients (45.1 %). SVT termination following the initial dose of 6 mg or 12 mg was 56.4 % and 79.1 %, respectively (p < 0.001). Among the 46 patients who failed to terminate SVT with an initial 6 mg dose, 33 converted to sinus rhythm with a subsequent adenosine dose in comparison to 1 of the 7 patients receiving an initial dose of 12 mg (71.7 % vs 14.3 %, p = 0.007). Median time to ED disposition, either inpatient admission or discharge, was 209 and 161 min, respectively (p = 0.104). There was no statistical difference in either subgroup analyses. ConclusionA higher rate of SVT termination was observed with an initial adenosine dose of 12 mg in the ED in comparison to the guideline recommended dose of 6 mg. There were no significant differences in adverse effects observed.

Evaluating the performance of the SORG machine learning algorithm for predicting discharge disposition in lumbar surgery patients

PurposeProtracted admissions following lumbar surgeries are rising, often stemming from inefficient identification of patients requiring nonhome discharge for rehabilitation. The SORG Orthopaedic Research Group at Harvard Medical School have developed a machine learning algorithm for predicting discharge following lumbar surgery. This study assessed its predictive performance on an independent tertiary centre patient cohort. MethodsMedical records were retrospectively reviewed for all elective adult lumbar disc degeneration or herniation surgeries performed between July 2017–2021 at a tertiary neurosurgical centre in the United Kingdom. Preoperative variables were collated and discharge destinations noted. Algorithm predictions were analysed using the concordance (c) statistic, Brier score and calibration plot. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated, and a decision curve analysis (DCA) plotted. Results251 subjects were included (48.2 % female, mean age 55.3 years). 2.8 % underwent nonhome discharge. Most had surgery at 1/2 spinal levels (98.4 %) and were functionally independent (84.5 %). Algorithm predictions yielded a 0.88 c-statistic and 0.029 Brier score. The algorithm was miscalibrated to the data (calibration plot slope 1.31 and intercept -1.12). At a 0.25 threshold for nonroutine discharge risk, the PPV was 0.19 and NPV 0.98. DCA revealed limited clinical utility. ConclusionsAlgorithm predictive performance was mixed for this cohort, displaying strong discrimination but poor calibration and overestimation of nonroutine discharges. Differences in patient management practices and the low nonhome discharge rate may explain this. Larger validation studies across different healthcare systems, alongside geographically specific algorithm development, will improve predictive accuracy prior to clinical application.

Population modeling analyses of crizotinib in pediatric patients with ALK-positive advanced cancers.

Alterations in the ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene play a critical role in pathogenesis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Crizotinib is a small molecule competitive inhibitor of ALK, ROS1, and MET kinases and was approved for pediatric patients with ALK-positive relapsed or refractory, systemic ALCL, and ALK-positive unresectable, recurrent, or refractory inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMT). Crizotinib data from pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors, IMT, or ALCL were included in the analyses. All patients received crizotinib orally at doses ranging from 100 to 365mg/m2 twice daily (BID). PopPK analyses were conducted to characterize crizotinib disposition in pediatric patients. Exposure-response (ER) safety and antitumor analyses were conducted to characterize relationships between crizotinib dose or exposure with safety and antitumor activity endpoints of interest. The population pharmacokinetic (popPK), ER safety, and ER antitumor analysis included 98, 110, and 36 pediatric patients, respectively. A one-compartment pharmacokinetic model with allometric scaling, first-order elimination, and first-order absorption with lag time adequately described the data. Natural log-transformed model-predicted crizotinib AUCss (steady-state area under the concentration-time curve) demonstrated a significant, positive relationship with Grade ≥3 NEUTROPENIA and Any Grade VISION DISORDER. Crizotinib dose demonstrated a positive relationship with objective response rate. No significant differences in PK were identified across a wide range of ages or across tumor types, suggesting body surface area (BSA)-based dosing adequately adjusted for differences in patient size to achieve similar systemic crizotinib exposures across young children and adolescent pediatric patients. None of the myelosuppressive events except Grade ≥3 NEUTROPENIA had significant relationships identified with crizotinib dose or exposure, suggesting crizotinib is a tolerable treatment with less hematological toxicity than traditional chemotherapy regimens for pediatric patients with ALK-mutated cancers. Results from the presented analyses support the pediatric dosing recommendations in the product label.

The First Observational Study of Acute Medical Unit in Qatar.

Background Acute medical unit (AMU) is a dedicated facility to treat patients with acute medical conditions requiring a short hospital stay (< 72 hours) with the support of a multidisciplinary team led by a medical consultant. We aim to present a study of the AMU model of care from Qatar to provide insight into its effects on patient care and management. Methods Retrospective data from AMU facility at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Doha, Qatar, was collected from January 2019 to December 2020 from the electronic patient record. The data were analyzed for demographic characteristics of the patients, length of stay (LOS), readmission rate, and postdischarge follow-up. The effectiveness of the AMU system was studied closely from this data. An extensive literature search was also performed for comparative results analysis in other AMU facilities outside Qatar. Results Total admissions under the AMU facility were 8,371 from january2019 to December 2020. The 28 days readmission rate was 10.25 and 9.9% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The average LOS was approximately 3.2 days. Around 88.7% of the patients were discharged home, 7.8% were admitted to medical wards due to longer stays, and 0.5% left against medical advice. Most of the patients admitted under AMU were 18 to 60 years old. The top primary diagnoses of admissions were minor stroke, transient ischemic attack, chest infection, urinary tract infections, and gastrointestinal and liver diseases. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease. A total of 2,858 patients were booked for a follow-up visit in the postdischarge clinic on discharge from the AMU for the year 2019 and 2020. The analysis of these followed up patients showed 73% of patients were discharged from clinic after first visit while the readmission from clinic was on only 1% (28 patients for year 2019 and 2020). Conclusion Attentive patient care under AMU with a designated multidisciplinary medical team led by an internal medicine consultant is the cornerstone for the success of the AMU unit. This unit has proven very helpful for the smooth disposition of patients from the emergency department with reduced LOS, readmission rate, and overall mortality.

Hispanic/Latino Ethnicity and Loss of Post-Surgery Independent Living: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Bronx Hospital Network.

Black race is associated with postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing facility, but the effects of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity are unclear. We explored the Hispanic paradox , described as improved health outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients on postoperative adverse discharge to nursing facility. A total of 93,356 adults who underwent surgery and were admitted from home to Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, between January 2016 and June 2021 were included. The association between self-identified Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and the primary outcome, postoperative adverse discharge to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility, was investigated. Interaction analysis was used to examine the impact of socioeconomic status, determined by estimated median household income and insurance status, on the primary association. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the proportion of variance attributed to the patient's residential area defined by zip code and self-identified ethnicity. Approximately 45.9% (42,832) of patients identified as Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and 9.7% (9074) patients experienced postoperative adverse discharge. Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with lower risk of adverse discharge (relative risk [RR adj ] 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 00.82-0.94; P < .001), indicating a Hispanic Paradox . This effect was modified by the patient's socioeconomic status ( P -for-interaction <.001). Among patients with a high socioeconomic status, the Hispanic paradox was abolished (RR adj 1.10; 95% CI, 11.00-1.20; P = .035). Furthermore, within patients of low socioeconomic status, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with a higher likelihood of postoperative discharge home with health services compared to non-Hispanic/Latino patients (RR adj 1.06; 95% CI, 11.01-1.12; P = .017). Hispanic/Latino ethnicity is a protective factor for postoperative adverse discharge, but this association is modified by socioeconomic status. Future studies should focus on postoperative discharge disposition and socioeconomic barriers in patients with Hispanic/Latino ethnicity.

Mechanism of injury and disposition of severe polytrauma patients at Kalafong Hospital 2018/2019

Mechanism of injury and disposition of severe polytrauma patients at Kalafong Hospital 2018/2019

Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Patients Presenting With Acute Abdomen to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Acute abdomen is a common and urgent clinical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. This study determines the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients presenting with acute abdomen at a tertiary care hospital. To describe the demographic characteristics, provisional diagnoses, treatment modalities, and pain management effectiveness in patients with acute abdomen. This prospective observational study was conducted in the Emergency Medicine department at Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Center, Pimpri, Pune, over a specified period. The study included patients presenting with acute abdomen, aged above 14 years, excluding those with traumatic acute abdomen and pregnant patients. A sample size of 146 was calculated based on the proportion of ureteric colic cases, with a 95% confidence interval and a 6% margin of error; however, a total of 176 patients were included in the study. Data collection involved recording demographic details, clinical features, provisional diagnoses, and pain scores, as well as performing required blood investigations and ultrasonography. Pain scores were assessed before and after treatment. Patients will be given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) or opioid analgesia, depending on the clinical severity. Emergency medicine residents, in consultation with the on-call consultant, determined the disposition of patients, deciding if they required surgical or conservative management. The study found that the majority of patients, n = 130 (73.86%), were aged 26-50 years, with cases n = 103 (58.52%) being males and cases n = 73 (41.48%) females. Acute appendicitis was the most common diagnosis, n = 41 (24.43%), followed by urolithiasis n = 33 (18.75%). Surgical interventions were required for n = 78 (45.08%) of patients, highlighting the urgent nature of these conditions. Pain management was effective, with significant reductions in pain scores post-treatment (mean visual analog score (VAS) decreased from 6.22 to 2.33, and mean numerical rating score (NRS) from 6.05 to 2.10; p < 0.001). The study underscores the high prevalence of gastrointestinal and renal conditions in patients with acute abdomen, particularly in middle-aged adults. The high rate of surgical interventions reflects the urgent nature of these conditions. Significant reductions in pain scores demonstrated effective pain management. Comprehensive care strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Future research with larger sample sizes and multi-center participation is recommended to validate these findings and enhance management protocols for acute abdomen.

Interhospital transfer dynamics for patients with intracranial hemorrhage in Massachusetts.

Intracranial hemorrhages present across a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, with many patients transferred across hospitals to access higher levels of neurocritical care. We sought to characterize patient dispositions following intracranial hemorrhage and examine disparities associated with interhospital transfers. Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database, we mapped and identified factors influencing the likelihood of patient transfers and receipt of specialist interventional procedures following intracranial hemorrhage. Of 11,660 patients with intracranial hemorrhage, 59.4% had non-traumatic and 87.5% single compartment bleeds. After presentation, about a quarter of patients were transferred to another facility either directly from the ED (23.0%) or after inpatient admission (1.8%). On unadjusted analysis, patients who were white, in the upper income quartiles, with private insurance, or resided in suburban areas were more frequently transferred. After adjusting for patient-and hospital-level variables, younger and non-white patients had higher odds of transfer. Hospital capabilities, residence location, insurance status, and prior therapeutic relationship remained as transfer predictors. Transferred patients had a similar hospital length of stay compared to admitted patients, with 43.1% having no recorded surgical or specialist interventional procedure after transfer. Our analysis reveals opportunities for improvement in risk stratification guiding transfers, as well as structural challenges likely impacting transfer decisions.