Hospitals In Northeast Research Articles

Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric and psychological consultation-liaison contacts in a general hospital in North-East of Italy: a retrospective study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has prompted significant changes in healthcare, particularly affecting psychiatric and psychological Consultation-Liaison (CL) services in general hospital settings.AimTo assess the effects of COVID-19-related restrictions on utilization of psychiatric and psychological CL services in Northeast Italy during 2020, and to compare it to the use of services in the previous year (2019).MethodsThe study collected data on psychiatric and psychological consultations in 2019 and 2020 from a hospital database. It categorizes consultations by type of patient (inpatient or outpatient) and referral source (hospital wards, general practitioners, other specialists). Pandemic-related restrictions were classified as “lockdown,” “intermediate restrictions,” and “no or reduced restrictions” based on the Covid Stringency Index (CSI). Poisson regression models were employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe findings reveal a significant 28% increase in the number of psychiatric and psychological consultations in 2020. Consultations for outpatients increased by 51%, while those for inpatients decreased by 11%. However, the lockdown and intermediate restriction phases were deemed responsible of a decrease of 42.9% and 19.5% in consultations respectively.DiscussionThis study highlights the persistent psychological burden during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside reduced CL services due to lockdown measures. Integrating telemedicine into these types of services becomes imperative for meeting patient needs during restrictions. These findings can inform policies and practices to improve effective mental health care delivery during and beyond pandemics. Future research should explore the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on mental healthcare across settings and clinical factors affecting service accessibility.

Sociodemographic predictors of imaging utilization in children with right lower quadrant pain.

Inequities in health care access lead to inequities in outcome. In recent years, health outcome disparities have been documented in children with acute appendicitis and sociodemographic predictors of imaging utilization have not been adequately assessed. The purpose of our study is to assess sociodemographic predictors for the diagnostic imaging of children with right lower quadrant (RLQ) pain. Our hypothesis is that disparities exist in imaging utilization. Our nationwide retrospective cohort study of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database queried emergency department encounters for children aged 0-18years presenting with RLQ pain (ICD code CM R10.31) between January 2018 and September 2023. Primary exposures included neighborhood-level sociodemographic metrics as measured by Child Opportunity Index, race/ethnicity, and insurance status. Outcomes included no diagnostic imaging, diagnostic imaging with radiography alone, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed modality usage with respect to the primary exposures after controlling for demographic (age, gender) and additional (hospital geographic region, time of imaging) covariates. To avoid the perpetuation of bias, reference categories were determined by the lowest numerical value for each covariate. In total, 100,161 patient encounters met inclusion criteria (mean patient age 11.2years ± 3.9; 59.3%, n = 59,416 females). Imaging utilized was US (78.0%; n = 78,115), CT (16.4%, n = 16,405), no imaging (13.9%, n = 13,894), radiography alone (4.4%, n = 4,429), and MRI (3.1%, n = 3,148). The most predictive factors for no imaging were moderate, low, and very low Child Opportunity Index (aOR 1.25, 1.17, and 1.18 [95% CI 1.10-1.33] compared to very high Child Opportunity Index); Black race/ethnicity (aOR 1.26 [95% CI 1.11-1.44] compared to White or Asian race/ethnicity); and public or other insurance (aOR 1.23 and 1.32 [95% CI 1.18-1.41] compared to commercial insurance). The most predictive factors for radiography alone were Black race/ethnicity (aOR 1.30 [95% CI 1.17-1.45] compared to Hispanic race/ethnicity) and public or other insurance (aOR 1.26 [95% CI 1.11-1.44] compared to commercial). The most predictive factors for US were very-high Child Opportunity Index (aOR 1.16 [95% CI 1.09-1.22] compared to very low Child Opportunity Index); Asian, NH-White, or Hispanic race/ethnicity (aOR 1.33, 1.31, 1.30 [95% CI 1.18-1.40] compared to Black race/ethnicity); and commercial insurance (aOR 1.20 [95% CI 1.16-1.25] compared to public insurance). The most predictive factor for CT was White race/ethnicity (aOR 1.26 [95% CI 1.11-1.43] compared with Asian race/ethnicity) and the most predictive factor for MRI was Hispanic race/ethnicity (aOR 1.49 [95% CI 1.17-1.61] compared with Black race/ethnicity). The greatest predictor of cross-sectional imaging was a hospital's region, with CT most likely in southern hospitals (aOR 4.09 [95% CI 2.17-7.70] compared with northeast hospitals). Patient Child Opportunity Index did not predict the likelihood of cross-sectional imaging with CT or MRI in tertiary pediatric centers. Sociodemographic disparities exist in the imaging of children presenting to tertiary pediatric hospitals with RLQ pain. Future studies are needed to analyze the causes of such disparities both on hospital and departmental levels.

Assessing antimicrobial stewardship governance in Northeast Brazilian hospitals: a survey-based analysis.

Effective governance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and infection prevention control (IPC) in healthcare facilities is crucial for safeguarding patients against healthcare-associated infections and enhancing patient outcomes by optimizing antibiotic use and curbing the spread of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens. To assess the current AMS governance in two public hospitals in Northeast of Brazil, specifically focusing on identifying institutional antibiotic policies and operational practices. A survey was conducted by team leaders of both hospitals from 2020 to 2022 using a questionnaire adapted from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recommendations for implementing AMS programmes (ASP) in Latin America and the Caribbean, alongside criteria from the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and CDC. Fifty leaders, from senior management to coordinators, answered the questionnaire. Results indicate a lack of AMS process measures, specialist support, systematic antimicrobial utilization analysis and structured IPC programmes, especially in one hospital where patient records remain in paper format. The empirical use of antimicrobials without local epidemiological or susceptibility data underscores the absence of logistical support for microbiological cultures in the region. These findings emphasize the urgent need for systematic AMS processes and multiprofessional teams to drive AMS and IPC practices, essential for patient care and safety.

Head and neck cancer: epidemiological aspects of two large Brazilian medical centers

Objective: To compare clinical and epidemiological aspects of Head and neck cancers (HNC) patients treated in hospitals in northeast and southeast regions of Brazil. Methodology: The study cross-sectional retrospective analyzed 519 medical records of patients treated between 2016 and 2021. The factors evaluated for HNC prevalence included demographic data, predisposing factors, tumor location, treatment type, and related oral manifestations. Qualitative variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies. The chi-square test assessed potential associations between these variables (p< 0.05). Results: 54.1% of patients were men and 45.9% were women. Hospitals significantly differed regarding sex, age, and tobacco use (p< 0.05). The accumulated percentage indicated that adults under 60 years old were the most affected (62.6%). The larynx/hypopharynx was the most prevalent location (51.8%), followed by the oral cavity (25.8%). The tongue was the most affected anatomical region in the oral cavity (11.0%). Conclusion: Patient profile showed possible changes, with both sexes being similarly affected in increasingly younger patients. Demographic and lifestyle factors suggest an association with HNC, representing information for consideration when screening more susceptible patients and tracking early-stage lesions.

Direct healthcare costs of oral cancer: A retrospective study from a tertiary care center

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the direct costs of OSCC treatment and postsurgical surveillance in a tertiary hospital in northeast Italy.Sixty-three consecutive patients surgically treated for primitive OSCC at S. Orsola Hospital in Bologna (Italy) between January 2018 and January 2020 were analyzed. Billing records of the Emilia Romagna healthcare system and institutional costs were used to derive specific costs for the following clinical categories: operating theatre costs, intensive and ordinary hospitalization, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, postsurgical complications, visits, and examinations during the follow-up period. The study population comprised 17 OSCC patients classified at stage I, 14 at stage II, eight at stage III, and 24 at stage IV.The estimated mean total direct cost for OSCC treatment and postsurgical surveillance was €26 338.48 per patient (stage I: €10 733, stage II: €19 642.9, stage III: €30 361.4, stage IV: €39 957.2). An advanced diagnosis (stages III and IV), complex surgical procedure, and loco-regional recurrences resulted in variables that were significantly associated with a higher cost of OSCC treatment and postsurgical surveillance.Redirection of funds used for OSCC treatment to screening measures may be an effective strategy to improve overall health outcomes and optimize national health resources.

Factors associated with neonatal jaundice among neonates admitted at referral hospitals in northeast Ethiopia: a facility-based unmatched case-control study

BackgroundNeonatal jaundice is a significant contributor to illness and death in newborns, leading to frequent admissions to neonatal intensive care units. To better understand this issue, a study was conducted to identify the factors contributing to neonatal jaundice among newborns admitted to Dessie and Woldia comprehensive specialized hospitals in northeast Ethiopia.MethodsThe study took place from April 1 to May 30, 2022, using unmatched case-control design. A total of 320 neonates paired with their mothers were involved, including 64 cases and 256 controls. Data were collected through a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and a review of medical records. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23, and a multivariate logistic regression model was employed to understand the relationship between independent factors and the occurrence of neonatal jaundice. Statistical significance was determined at a threshold of P value less than 0.05.ResultsThe study findings revealed that maternal age over 35 years, residing in urban areas [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23, 4.82], male gender (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.90, 9.74), prematurity (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.88, 8.09), and ABO incompatibility (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.16, 5.96) were significant determinants of neonatal jaundice. Conversely, the study indicated that cesarean birth was associated with a 76% lower likelihood of infant jaundice compared to vaginal delivery (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.72).ConclusionTo prevent, diagnose, and treat neonatal jaundice effectively, efforts should primarily focus on managing ABO incompatibility and early detection of prematurity. Additionally, special attention should be given to neonates born through vaginal delivery, those with mothers over 35 years old, and those residing in urban areas, as they are at higher risk of developing newborn jaundice. Close monitoring of high-risk mother-infant pairs during the antenatal and postnatal periods, along with early intervention, is crucial for reducing the severity of neonatal jaundice in this study setting.

Disparities by sex, race, and region in acute myocardial infarction-related outcomes during the early COVID-19 pandemic: the national inpatient sample analysis.

Disparities in acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-related outcomes have been reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied in-hospital outcomes of AMI across demographic groups in the United States during the early COVID-19 pandemic. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried for 2020 to identify AMI-related hospitalizations based on appropriate ICD-10-CM codes categorized by sex, race, and hospital region categories. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in females, racial and ethnic minority groups, and Northeast hospital region compared with males, White patients, and Midwest hospital region, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio and mean difference. A total of 820,893 AMI-related hospitalizations were identified during the study period. On adjusted analysis, during the early COVID-19 pandemic, females had lower odds of in-hospital mortality [aOR 0.89 (0.85-0.92); P < 0.01] and revascularization [aOR 0.68 (0.66-0.69); P < 0.01] than males. Racial and ethnic based analysis showed that Asian/Pacific Islander patients had higher odds of in-hospital mortality [aOR 1.13 (1.03-1.25); P < 0.01] than White patients. During the early COVID-19 pandemic, Northeast and Western region hospitals had higher odds of in-hospital mortality, lower odds of revascularization, longer length of stay, and higher total hospitalization costs than Midwest region hospitals. Our study disclosed disparities in AMI-related mortality and revascularization by sex, race and ethnic, and region during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention should be given to at-risk populations. Whether these disparities continue in the post-vaccination era warrants further study.

P003 A comparison night shifts in two North East hospitals within OMFS

P003 A comparison night shifts in two North East hospitals within OMFS

Temporal trends and barriers for inpatient palliative care referral in metastatic gynecologic cancer patients receiving specific critical care therapies.

Existing evidence suggests that palliative care (PC) is highly underutilized in metastatic gynecologic cancer (mGCa). This study aims to explore temporal trends and predictors for inpatient PC referral in mGCa patients who received specific critical care therapies (CCT). The National Inpatient Sample from 2003 to 2015 was used to identify mGCa patients receiving CCT. Basic characteristics were compared between patients with and without PC. Annual percentage change (APC) was estimated to reflect the temporal trend in the entire cohort and subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to explore potential predictors of inpatient PC referral. In total, 122,981 mGCa patients were identified, of whom 10,380 received CCT. Among these, 1,208 (11.64%) received inpatient PC. Overall, the rate of PC referral increased from 1.81% in 2003 to 26.30% in 2015 (APC: 29.08%). A higher increase in PC usage was found in white patients (APC: 30.81%), medium-sized hospitals (APC: 31.43%), the Midwest region (APC: 33.84%), and among patients with ovarian cancer (APC: 31.35%). Multivariable analysis suggested that medium bedsize, large bedsize, Midwest region, West region, uterine cancer and cervical cancer were related to increased PC use, while metastatic sites from lymph nodes and genital organs were related to lower PC referral. Further studies are warranted to better illustrate the barriers for PC and finally improve the delivery of optimal end-of-life care for mGCa patients who receive inpatient CCT, especially for those diagnosed with ovarian cancer or admitted to small scale and Northeast hospitals.

A-336 Comparison Between the Immune Profile of Pregnant and Postpartum Women with and without COVID-19 by Flow Cytometry

Abstract Background The impacts caused by COVID-19 on pregnant and postpartum women are not well characterized yet. It is well known that, due to pregnancy, the maternal organism undergoes immunological adaptations, which may increase the risk of complications of viral diseases. These adaptations, in addition to the inflammatory disorder caused by the SARS-Cov-2, may contribute to severe outcomes as a result of COVID-19 infection. In this study the peripheral levels of total T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells in pregnant and postpartum women with positive and negative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 were determined. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed using peripheral blood samples from pregnant and postpartum women who underwent PCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19 between May 2021 and March 2022. Samples were collected in a public maternity hospital in Northeast of Brazil right on admission for delivery as well as in the immediate puerperium. Blood was collected in tubes containing EDTA for flow cytometry, using the activated cell fluorescence analyzer (FACScan) and the Cell Quest software. The total of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+), CD3+/CD4+ (ThL) and CD3+/CD8+ (TcL) was determined according to published protocols. B lymphocytes were identified by expression of CD19 (CD19+) and NK and NKT cells were identified by the CD16+/56+ and CD3+/CD16-56+ phenotype, respectively. Lymphocytes were identified by high CD45 expression and low side scatter using the following 3-color monoclonal antibody combinations: fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE) and chlorophyll pyridine protein (PerCP). Results A total of 99 women with a mean age 29 (± 7) years old were used in this study, of which 31 (31.3%) were pregnant and 68 (69.4%) were postpartum women. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by PCR in 78 (78.8%) of the participants and in 21 (21.2%) it was discarded after negative PCR. Pregnant and postpartum women infected with SARS-CoV-2 had higher levels of cytotoxic T cells, median (ME) = 574.2; interquartile range (IIQ) = 382.4, when compared with uninfected patients, ME = 404.7; IIQ = 363.5); P = 0.032. Pregnant women with COVID-19 had a lower mean CD3+ count (1351.1 ± 337.7) compared to postpartum women with the disease (1605.6 ± 538.6); t (53.6) = −2.45, P = 0.009. Likewise, lower CD16+/56+ (113.3; IIQ = 172.0) and CD3+/CD16-56+ (52.1; IQ = 53.4) medians were found in pregnant women with COVID-19, when compared with the group of postpartum women without infection (191.2; IIQ = 192.5); U = 396.0, P = 0.043 and (70.8; IIQ = 91.6); U = 376.5, P = 0.025, respectively. Conclusion Pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of cytotoxic T cells in peripheral blood. These results may be useful to understand what the SARS-CoV-2 infection causes in the immune system of pregnant and postpartum women. On the other hand, observational studies with larger samples and bias control are required.

Association of Discharge Location Following Pediatric Tracheostomy with Social Determinants of Health: A National Analysis.

To evaluate the breakdown of discharge locations among pediatric tracheostomy patients and determine the impact of demographic variables and social determinants of health. Retrospective review of the 2016 and 2019 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (HCUP KID). A total of 4000 United States community hospitals, defined as short-term, non-Federal, general, and specialty hospitals. ICD-10-PCS, ICD-10 CM codes, and HCUP data elements were selected for patients and variables of interest. Bivariate comparisons were performed using Rao-Scott Chi-square tests; significance levels in post hoc pairwise testing were adjusted using Bonferroni adjustment. Multinomial generalized logistic regression models were used to determine the average annual odds ratio (OR) of 3 dispositions at discharge relative to discharge home for self-care. Patients aged 11-17, patients from large metropolitan areas, and patients of "Other" race have an increased odds of discharge to a short- or long-term care facility (all P < .001). Weekend admissions, nonelective admissions, patients in Northeast hospitals, and patients at urban nonteaching hospitals are also more likely to be discharged to a short- or long-term care facility (all P < .001). Mean and median total costs of admission were $424,387 and $243,479, respectively, with a median total charge of $854,499. Among pediatric tracheostomy patients, demographic factors that affect discharge disposition include age, community type, and race, and significant hospital factors include day and type of admission, geographic region, and hospital type. Hospitalizations are associated with high overall costs and charges to the patient, which are increasing over time.

Clinical Outcomes and Complications for Achalasia Patients Admitted After Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy.

Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a rapidly emerging minimally invasive procedure for management of achalasia. Same-day discharge after POEM is safe and feasible; however, some patients may need hospitalization. We aimed to identify characteristics and outcomes for achalasia patients requiring hospitalizations after POEM in the United States (US). The US National Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify all adult achalasia patients who were admitted after POEM from 2016 to 2019. Hospitalization characteristics and clinical outcomes were highlighted. From 2016 to 2019, we found that 1,885 achalasia patients were admitted after POEM. There was an increase in the total number of hospitalizations after POEM from 380 in 2016 to 490 in 2019. The mean age increased from 54.2 years in 2016 to 59.3 years in 2019. Most POEM-related hospitalizations were for the 65 - 79 age group (31.8%), females (50.4%), and Whites (68.4%). A majority (56.2%) of the study population had a Charlson Comorbidity Index of 0. The Northeast hospital region had the highest number of POEM-related hospitalizations. Most of these patients (88.3%) were eventually discharged home. There was no inpatient mortality. The mean length of stay decreased from 4 days in 2016 to 3.2 days in 2019, while the mean total healthcare charge increased from $52,057 in 2016 to $65,109 in 2019. Esophageal perforation was the most common complication seen in 1.3% of patients. The number of achalasia patients needing hospitalization after POEM increased. There was no inpatient mortality conferring an excellent safety profile of this procedure.

Sociodemographic disparities in concomitant left atrial appendage occlusion during cardiac valve operations.

Sociodemographic disparities in atrial fibrillation (AF) management and thromboembolic prophylaxis have previously been reported, which may involve inequitable access to left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) during cardiac surgery. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of LAAO utilization with sex, race, and hospital region among patients with AF undergoing heart valve operations. Adults with AF undergoing valve replacement/repair in the 2012-2019 National Inpatient Sample were identified and stratified based on concurrent LAAO. Multivariable linear and logistic regressions were developed to identify factors associated with LAAO utilization. Mortality, complications including stroke and thromboembolism, hospitalization costs and length of stay (LOS) were secondarily assessed. Of 382,580 patients undergoing valve operations, 18.7% underwent concomitant LAAO. Over the study period, the proportion of female patients receiving LAAO significantly decreased from 44.8% to 38.9% (p<0.001). Upon risk adjustment, female (AOR 0.93 [95% CI 0.89-0.97]) and Black patients (0.91 [0.83-0.99]) had significantly reduced odds of undergoing LAAO compared to males and Whites, respectively. Additionally, hospitals in the Midwest (1.38 [1.24-1.51]) and West (1.26 [1.15-1.36]) had increased likelihood of LAAO whereas Northeast hospitals (0.85 [0.77-0.94)] had decreased odds relative to the South. Furthermore, LAAO was associated with decreased stroke (0.71 [0.60-0.84]) and thromboembolism (0.68 [0.54-0.86]), $4,200 reduction in costs and 1-day decrement in LOS. Female and Black patients had significantly lower odds while Midwest and Western hospitals had greater odds of LAAO utilization. Enhancing access to LAAO during valvular surgery is warranted to improve clinical and financial outcomes for patients with AF.

Factors associated with weekend emergency department visits in patients with GI cancer.

813 Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for highest ED revisits among cancer patients. Weekend ED visits are also associated with higher mortality. We aimed to analyze factors associated with weekend ED visits among GI cancer patients. Methods: Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database was queried from 2009 to 2017 for ED visits with GI primary tumor. ED visits were characterized by demographic, socioeconomic factors, hospital characteristics and primary cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Data was analyzed using Stata. Results: From 2009 to 2017, 6,862,077 ED visits associated with GI cancer were analyzed and 1,811,111(26.4%) visits were on weekend. Weekend visits were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.06; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.04-1.). Weekday mortality was 3.8%, while weekend was 3.9%. Weekend visits were negatively associated with presentation in 2013-2017 as compared to 2009-2012 (OR 0.96; 0.95-0.97), Northeast hospitals (OR 0.89; 0.88-0.91) compared to Midwest, teaching hospital status (OR 0.96; 0.95-0.97) compared to non-teaching and metastatic cancer (OR 0.96; 0.95-0.97) compared to non-metastatic cancers. Compared to colon, weekend admissions were also negatively associated with anorectal (OR 0.96; 0.95-0.98) and hepatobiliary cancers (OR 0.96; 0.95-0.98). Conclusions: Presentation between 2013 to 2017, teaching hospital status, Northeast hospitals and metastatic stage were associated with fewer weekend ED visits. These findings could be potentially explained by increased and primary care utilization. There was a statistically significant association between mortality and weekend admissions, however the absolute difference was only 0.1%. Possible explanations include potential differences in staffing, interventions and procedures over the weekends compared to weekdays. In comparison to colon, anorectal and hepatobiliary cancer patients are less likely to have weekend ED visits while pancreatic cancer patients are more likely to have weekend ED visits. Our findings may help GI oncologists identify patients at risk of weekend ED visits.[Table: see text]

HIGH-RISK ELDERLY SCREENING IN MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Abstract Geriatrics care in medical intensive care units (MICU) establishes a unique opportunity in early screening of High Risk Elderly (HRE) patients admitted for critical care. Many MICUs do not have a standard protocol to screen for HRE patients as part of their daily huddle. Our program is a quality improvement initiative to improve early identification of HRE patients in the MICU. HRE patients were identified based on nursing specific screening triggers at one of the Regional Hospitals of a large teaching hospital in Northeast Ohio.The program was designed as a part of geriatrics care expansion at regional hospital sites. Identified patients were discussed in daily huddles to determine unique geriatric needs in caring for these patients. A geriatrics co-management team was engaged in comprehensive geriatric assessments and care transition when it was needed. Geriatrics care in MICU demonstrates a unique opportunity in early identification of HRE patients. This helps to support a patient -centered approach in caring for critically ill elderly patients. The program would lay foundations in early screening for risk factors and optimizing elderly care in MICU.

Empowering New Ostomy Patients Through a Novel Inpatient Group Education Class: A Quality Improvement Project.

A quality improvement project was undertaken that evaluated the results of a group inpatient ostomy education class designed to reinforce information provided by the WOC nurse. A secondary goal was to provide emotional support during the immediate postoperative period following ostomy surgery. Participants were inpatients undergoing fecal ostomies (ileostomies, jejunostomies, or colostomies) and their families. This project took place in an inpatient colorectal unit at the project hospital in Northeast, Ohio. The Plan, Do, Check, Act process was used to guide the quality improvement. Using feedback from postoperative patients, a multidisciplinary team designed an inpatient group ostomy class with education targeting patient-identified needs. Educational content was created with feedback from postoperative patients. The 1-hour class was offered twice weekly and was facilitated by a dietician, a pharmacist, and an RN. Content included general postoperative discharge information, appliance self-care, nutrition guidelines, medications, and resources for support. From 2016 to 2019, more than 1500 patients and family members participated in the educational offerings. During this time, length of hospital stay for ostomy patients decreased from 7.299 to 5.938 days. Readmission rates for patients undergoing fecal ostomies declined from 12.9% to a postclass rate of 11.2%. Written/verbal feedback from class attendees, physicians, and nurses was positive. Project outcomes validated the need for a structured, ongoing inpatient, postoperative, group education for ostomy patients during the immediate postoperative period. Next steps will be to resume the class as it was paused due to COVID-19 restrictions, to continue to revise content, and to implement supplementary materials such as DVDs and online resources.

Medical expenditure for strabismus: a hospital-based retrospective survey

Background and aimsThe misconception of the purpose of strabismus treatment has, on the one hand, affected the motivation of strabismus patients to seek care and, on the other hand, has resulted in strabismus not being covered by health insurance, both of which interact to limit the motivation of strabismus patients and also impose a financial burden on strabismus patients. Previous studies on the cost of strabismus had only addressed the cost utility and functional and psychosocial benefits of strabismus surgery. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct medical expenditure incurred for strabismus surgery and analyze the trend for the period 2014–2019 using the data collected by local eye hospitals in northeast China.MethodsThis study was based on 6-year strabismus medical expenditure data collected from the eye hospital of the first affiliated hospital of Harbin medical university, covering 3596 strabismus patients who had strabismus surgery. All medical expenditure data were adjusted to 2014 using China’s annual consumer price index to remove the effects of inflation.ResultsThe average direct medical expenditure for strabismus cares (in 2014) was 5309.6 CNY (US$870.4), and the annual growth rates from 2015 to 2019 (compared with the previous year) were 9.3, 7.7, 21.7, 14.5, and 4.3%, respectively. Surgical expenses accounted for the highest proportion (33.1%) of the total medical expenses followed by examinations expenses (19.7%) and medical consumables expenses (18.7%). The regression coefficient for general anaesthesia was 1804.5 and age was less than 0.ConclusionThe average direct medical expenditure for strabismus increases year by year, and the growth rate is rapid. Anesthesia was the most important factor increasing medical cost, and age was negatively correlated with cost.

Abstract 229: Burden And Predictors Of Sepsis-associated Cardiac Arrest: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis, 2018

Background: Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction with the resultant cardiomyopathy carries a high risk of mortality. We aimed to study the risk factors of cardiac arrest (CA) in Sepsis-related hospitalizations (SRH). Methods: We identified SRHs using the National Inpatient Sample (2018) and ICD10 codes to categorized them into with vs without CA. We then compared baseline characteristics and performed multivariate analysis adjusting for confounders to identify predictors of sepsis-associated CA. Results: Of SRH (1,345,595) in 2018, 0.8% (11,365) had a CA (Table1) . SRH with CA often had elderly (median age 70 vs 66 years), males (55.3% vs 48.8%), blacks (19.6% vs 13.3%), Hispanics (12.3 vs 11.7%), Medicare enrollees (69.9 vs 59.1%), and had patients from lower-income households (LIH, 36.9% vs 30.7%) than non-CA cohort. Statistically significant predictors for CA in SRH were age (5% increased risk every 5 years), male sex (aOR 1.28, 95CI 1.16-1.4), black (aOR 1.49, 95CI 1.3-1.7) &amp; Hispanic (aOR 1.26, 95CI 1.09-1.45) race, LIH (aOR 1.31, 95CI 1.13-1.52), CHF (aOR 2.4, 95CI 2.16-2.68), pulmonary circulation disorder (aOR 2.14, 95CI 1.72-2.66), prior cardiac arrest (aOR 1.95, 95CI 1.16-3.27), coagulopathy (aOR 1.69, 95CI 1.5-1.9), alcohol abuse (aOR 1.42 95CI 1.17-1.74), PVD (aOR 1.36, 95CI 1.17-1.58), CKD (aOR 1.26, 95CI 1.14-1.39), cancer without metastasis (aOR 1.49, 95CI 1.24-1.8) and with metastasis (aOR 1.24, 95CI 1.01-1.52). Urban non-teaching vs rural (aOR 1.32, 95CI 1.1-1.57) and Southern vs Northeast hospitals (aOR 1.26, 95CI 1.09-1.46) showed higher odds of CA. Conclusion: SRH associated CA had high mortality with prevalent demographic and regional disparities, evident from black and Hispanic, males, patients from LHI and Southern hospitals revealing a higher risk of sepsis-associated CA. Congestive heart failure, pulmonary disease, prior cardiac arrest, coagulopathy, alcohol abuse, PVD, CKD, and cancers were the strongest predictors of CA in SRH.

Clinical and Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Vascular Surgery at a Tertiary University “Hub” Hospital of Italy

BackgroundSince the first cases of a novel respiratory disease were reported in December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Emergency State (Cov-ES) caused a worldwide outbreak requiring a complete reorganization of the healthcare system and new management of its personnel; aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and financial impact of Cov-ES in the Department of Vascular Surgery at a Tertiary University “Hub” Hospital in northeast Italy.MethodsDifferences in clinical practice according to Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Related Health Problems and the financial impact of Cov-ES were considered. Vascular procedures performed between March 2019 and December 2019 (Prepandemic) were compared to those performed in the period March–December 2020 (Pandemic). Prepandemic and pandemic reimbursements of all vascular activities and the top 3 vascular diagnoses were evaluated.ResultsPrepandemic versus pandemic era documented a decrease of vascular consultations performed (2,882 vs. 2,270, −21.2%). The number of total vascular procedures decreased from 997 to 797 (−20.1%) with a higher reduction observed in outpatient surgical activities (247 to 136, −45.0%, P = 0.0005) rather than inpatient surgical activities (750 vs. 661, 11.9%, P = 0.02). Length of hospital stay (LOS) increased from 3.3 ± 2.7 days in prepandemic to 5.3 ± 3.9 in the pandemic era (P = 0.004). Among patients with limb-threatening ischemia, the rate of major limb amputation was higher in the pandemic (3.3% vs. 5.4%, respectively, P = 0.02), and a higher rate of elective hospitalization procedures was performed as urgent/emerging setting after clinical deterioration (2.8 % vs. 6.4%, P = 0.0002). According to DRG classification, an increase of “complicated” limb-threatening ischemia (DRG 554) and aortic aneurysm (DRG 110) was observed prepandemic to pandemic (+84.2% and +25.0%, respectively). Total reimbursement for vascular activities between pandemic versus prepandemic was 4,646,108€ vs. 5,054,398€, respectively (−8.0%). Management of “complicated” limb-threatening ischemia (DRG 554) and aortic aneurysm (DRG 110) required a higher clinical and financial support that was translated into higher economic reimbursement during the pandemic (273,035€ vs. 150,005€, +82.0% and 749,250€ vs. 603,680€, +24.1%, respectively).ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, the main resources were employed for the treatment of limb-threatening ischemia, aortic aneurysm, and carotid stenosis. Inpatient activities documented an increase in major limb amputation and LOS. An increased reimbursement for each vascular procedure and for all “complicated” diagnoses revealed that the more serious and resource-demanding pathology occurred in this period.

Abstract P1-24-05: Breast conserving surgery for non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer: A National Cancer Database (NCDB) study

Abstract Background: Single center studies have suggested breast conserving surgery (BCS) as treatment for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Given its infrequency, a multi-hospital database study is useful. This study reports the characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of women with non-metastatic IBC who underwent BCS. Methods: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for women ≥18 years old with cT4dN0-3M0. Outcomes were compared between treatment groups. A Cox proportional hazards model assessed the relationship of variables and the overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 12,223 women were treated as follows: no surgery (12.8%), BCS (3.3%), and mastectomy (83.9%). BCS was significantly more common in academic/research institutions, South and North-East hospitals, no special type histology, triple negative breast cancer, single quadrant tumors, and node-negative tumors. Most patients who underwent BCS received chemotherapy (86.2%) and radiation therapy (61.9%), while hormonal therapy was infrequent (37.1%). Mortality was higher with BCS than mastectomy at 30 (1.3% versus 0.3%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and 90 (6.8% versus 1.5%, p&amp;lt;0.001) days post-surgery. Three- and five-year OS post-BCS was lower compared to mastectomy but higher than no surgery. Prognostic factors of OS for patients who underwent surgery included academic/research institutions, income ≥$63,000, hormone positive tumors, and receipt of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Conclusion: BCS is offered to select women with non-metastatic IBC across NCDB participating hospitals. Caution is necessary while studying if surgery can be de-escalated in IBC. Standardized multidisciplinary care along with mastectomy remains the norm for patients with non-metastatic IBC. Citation Format: Fernando A. Angarita, Stephen B. Edge, Kristopher Attwood, Kazuaki Takabe, Jessica Young. Breast conserving surgery for non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer: A National Cancer Database (NCDB) study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-24-05.