Hospital In Rochester Research Articles

How to build and operationalise a hospital command centre

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, hospitals routinely grapple with daily disruptions and unforeseen events affecting resources and capacity. This paper explores the implementation and impact of the Rochester Hospital Operations Command Center (RHOCC) as a strategic response to challenges faced by the Mayo Clinic Hospital campuses in Rochester. The RHOCC, developed with an expedited timeline in response to capacity issues, exacerbated by COVID-19, serves as a centralised hub for real-time monitoring, coordination and decision-making related to patient flow. The process of establishing the command centre involved role identification, skill set determination, location of important personnel in an organised central space and vendor selection to develop the necessary infrastructure. Dashboards were developed to provide real-time actionable insights into external transfers, surgical and other planned admissions, emergency department status, patient throughput and discharges. These dashboards include colour-coded keys highlighting thresholds related to patient flow metrics and are used to facilitate daily huddles and enhance transparency and data-driven decision-making among hospital stakeholders. The outcomes of implementing the RHOCC include improved efficiency and collaboration, as well as a significantly enhanced ability to proactively respond to factors affecting census. The development of a command centre — driven by leadership endorsement and a commitment to continuous improvement — emerges as a transformative strategy in healthcare innovation. The RHOCC’s approach of building capability, fostering inclusion and articulating a vision of providing superior care while driving impactful improvements, positions it as a leading force in creating operational efficiencies to define healthcare delivery.

The role of biomarkers in early identification of acute kidney injury among non-critically ill patients.

Prediction and/or early identification of acute kidney injury (AKI) and individuals at greater risk remains of great interest in clinical medicine. Acute kidney injury continues to be a common complication among hospitalized patients, with an incidence ranging from 6 to 58%, depending on the setting.Aim of this study was to determine the performance of Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7), tissue metallopeptidase inhibitor 2 (TIMP2), and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) in early detection of AKI among non-critically ill patients. In this prospective observational study at Mayo Clinic Hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota, USA, non-critically ill patients admitted from the emergency department between October 31st, 2016 and May 1st, 2018, who had an acute kidney injury (AKI) probability of 5% or higher were included. Biomarkers were measured in residual urine samples collected in the emergency department. The primary outcome was biomarker performance in predicting AKI development within the first 72h. Among 368 included patients, the mean age was 79 ± 12years, and 160 (43%) were male. Acute kidney injury occurred in 62 (17%) patients; 11.5% stage 1, 2.5% stage 2, and 3% stage 3. Twelve patients (3%) died during hospitalization and 102 (28%) within nine months after admission. The median uNGAL and IGFBP7-TIMP2 were 57 [20-236ng/ml], and 0.3 [0.1-0.8], respectively. The C-statistic of uNGAL and IGFBP7-TIMP2 of > 0.3 and > 2.0 for AKI prediction were 0.56, 0.54, and 0.53, respectively. In a model where one point is assigned to each marker of AKI (elevated serum creatinine, IGFBP7-TIMP2 > 0.3, and uNGAL), a higher score correlated with higher nine-month mortality [OR of 1.32 per point (95% CI 1.02-1.71)]. Among non-critically ill hospitalized patients, the performance of uNGAL and IGFBP7-TIMP2 for AKI prediction within 72h of admission was modest. This suggests a limited role for these biomarkers in AKI risk stratification among non-critically ill patients. Key learning points What was known Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication among hospitalized patients. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Various clinical prediction models and biomarkers have been developed to identify patients in special populations (such as ICU and cardiac surgery) who are at risk of AKI and diagnose AKI early. This study adds The performance of the biomarkers uNGAL, TIMP-2, and IGFBP-7 in predicting AKI within 72h of admission in non-critically ill patients was modest. However, these biomarkers were found to have a prognostic value for predicting 9-month mortality. One potential application of these biomarkers is identifying patients at higher AKI risk before exposing them to nephrotoxic agents. Potential impact This study provides evidence regarding the real-world performance of current FDA-approved biomarkers (uNGAL, TIMP-2, and IGFBP-7) for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) within 72h of hospital admission among noncritically ill patients. While the performance of these biomarkers for predicting short-term AKI was modest, they may have a prognostic value for predicting 9-month mortality.

Anaesthesia-related morbidity associated with recumbent, low-field magnetic resonance imaging of horses

ABSTRACT Case history: Medical records from 2009 to 2021 from a private equine referral hospital in Rochester, NH, USA were analysed for cases that underwent general anaesthesia for low-field MRI of the distal limb. These were used to determine peri-anaesthetic morbidity and mortality. Clinical findings and outcome: Two hundred and forty-three anaesthetic episodes were recorded in horses undergoing low-field MRI. The peri-anaesthetic complication rate prior to discharge was 6.2% (15/243). No patients experienced a fatal complication. Ninety two of the 243 patients had multiple sites imaged, 90/243 received pre-anaesthetic dantrolene, 134/243 received intra-anaesthetic dobutamine, and 15/243 were positioned in dorsal recumbency. Complications included: abdominal discomfort (“colic”; 9/243), myopathy (4/243), hyphaema (1/243) and carpal fracture (1/243). At the time of discharge, 14/15 complications had resolved. Of 135 horses for which data were available 55 became hypotensive during the procedure (lowest mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg). Median body weight was 553 (min 363, max 771) kg. Horses were anaesthetised for a median of 150 (min 45, max 210) minutes. There was no evidence of an association between higher body weight (p = 0.051) or longer duration of anaesthesia (p = 0.421) and development of an anaesthetic complication. For categorical variables (dantrolene administration pre-anaesthesia, dobutamine administration during anaesthesia, hypotension (mean < 65 mmHg) during anaesthesia, dorsal vs. lateral recumbency, and imaging of single vs. multiple sites), the 95% CI for the OR included 1, indicating a lack of effect of the variable on the odds of complication. Clinical relevance: The cases included in this series suggest that low-field MRI under general anaesthesia is a viable option for diagnostic imaging in otherwise healthy horses. Complications occur, but most resolve before discharge.

Defining the clinical and procedural opportunities available to residents during rural rotations.

Many emergency medicine (EM) residency programs include clinical rotations in rural emergency departments ("rural rotations") as part of their curriculum. These rotations are designed to expose residents to clinical scenarios that are less frequently encountered in tertiary centers. The objective of this study was to determine the rate at which residents were exposed to certain clinical and procedural experiences (CPEs) while on rural rotations compared to their usual academic training hospital. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patient encounters involving EM residents at a large academic hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, compared with two rural hospitals in Austin, Minnesota, and Albert Lea, Minnesota, from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. The frequency of each CPE was calculated and expressed as the number of CPEs encountered per 100 clinical hours worked. These values were compared between the rural and academic sites. A total of 33,417 patient encounters over a total of 41,700 resident clinical hours were analyzed between the three study sites. The two settings (rural vs. academic) had significant differences in baseline patient demographics including age, acuity, and admission rates. Several CPEs were found to occur at a higher frequency in the rural hospitals versus the academic hospital: ambulance necessity documentation (9.3/100 h rural vs. 0.07/100 h academic, p ≤ 0.0001), laceration repair (3.39/100 h rural vs. 2.0/100 h academic, p = 0.0004), and splint/cast application (1.53/100 h rural vs. 0.07/100 h academic, p ≤ 0.0001). Rural EM rotations provide residents exposure to a variety of valuable educational experiences. These rotations may provide residents with superior exposures to some clinical experiences compared to academic hospitals, particularly out-of-ED transfers and orthopedic procedures. Residency programs without a current rural rotation should consider creating this as an option for their trainees.

A-123 Increased Rate of Recurrent Hemolysis Is Associated With COVID-19 Infection and Propofol Administration in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Abstract Background Hemolysis is a pre-analytic issue that challenges clinical laboratories. When a specimen with significant hemolysis is obtained in our laboratory, tests where the hemolysis threshold is exceeded are not reported and blood is recollected. Unfortunately, in a subset of patients, the recollected specimen is also hemolyzed (termed “recurrent hemolysis”). In these cases, the second recollection utilizes special collection and handling protocols (i.e., hand-carried to lab, plasma collection, etc.) to mitigate preventable causes of hemolysis. Lipemia is also a known contributor to specimen hemolysis. Mayo Clinic Rochester experienced an increased rate of hemolysis as well as recurrent hemolysis during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2022). The objective of this study was to investigate the increased rate of recurrent hemolysis and compare to a rate prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2019). Methods Retrospective data analysis was performed for January 2019 (negative control) and January 2022. The number of Mayo Clinic Rochester hospital admissions, admitting diagnosis, medications administered, and number of test collections performed were obtained using reporting functionality in our Electronic Health Record (EHR), Epic. The Laboratory Information System, SoftLab, was utilized to obtain recollection rates due to hemolysis. Data were normalized to total patient admissions for the specified period to account for inter-year variability. R/R Studio was utilized to analyze and visualize the data. Pearson’s Chi-squared test for independence was performed on categorical variables (significance defined as P &amp;lt; 0.05). Results A 28% decrease in hospital admissions (n = 3958:Jan-22 vs n = 5517:Jan-19) and a 23% decrease in total specimens collected on hospitalized patients (n = 40 557:Jan-22 vs n = 52 373:Jan-19) was observed between Jan-19 to Jan-22. However, the laboratory observed a 6% increase in hemolyzed specimens (n = 256:Jan-22 vs n = 241:Jan-19). Recurrent hemolysis occurred in 24% (n = 62/256) of Jan-22 and 17% (n = 43/241) of Jan-19 hemolyzed specimens and required special handling protocols. COVID positive patients comprised 48% (n = 30/62) of those requiring special handling protocols in Jan-22. Further examination revealed 34% (n = 21/62) of Jan-22 and 12% (n = 5/43) of Jan-19 cases of recurrent hemolysis were due to lipemia (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Chart review highlighted a potential source of lipemia from the administration of propofol, a lipophilic sedative emulsion. Of those COVID positive cases with recurrent hemolysis due to lipemia (n = 15/30), 93% (n = 14/15) were receiving propofol at the time of collection (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion We observed increased rates of specimen hemolysis during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most hemolysis resolves upon specimen recollection, patients with recurrently hemolyzed specimens often require special specimen collection and handling protocols to mitigate hemolysis. Approximately half of the recurrent hemolysis cases in Jan 2022 were COVID-19 positive patients. Lipemia-induced hemolysis was also more frequent in this patient population presumably due to the administration of propofol, a lipophilic emulsion sedative commonly used for COVID positive patients requiring sedation and ICU-level care. It is critical to understand the variety of factors which may contribute to recurrent hemolysis, as intervening with specialized collection and handling protocols to reduce observed pre-analytical hemolysis is required to provide accurate and timely laboratory results.

Characterizing Functional Tics (P11-11.014)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To assess the characteristics of patients presenting with functional tics (FT) at two different pediatric neurology sites. A subaim was to assess for differences in presentations of FT between cisgender versus non-binary or transgender youth. <h3>Background:</h3> In the years between 2020 and 2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a large increase in the incidence of functional tics in adolescents (ages 12–18 years). Understanding how FT differs from tic disorders and whether FT presents differently among gender identity groups may help to better identify FT in individuals. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We conducted a systematic chart review at two different sites using the Epic Electronic Medical Record System of the Pediatric Neurology Departments at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY (UR) and at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, NC (WF). <h3>Results:</h3> There were 83 subjects, 37 of whom were patients at UR and 46 at WF. The average age of onset of FT was 13.6 years old with 5% male, 70% female, 12% transgender female-to-male, 13% nonbinary or gender fluid. At onset, 76% of patients had complex tics, 45% had abusive behavior, 73% had motor tics which localized below the neck, and 55% had contextual or specific triggers to tics. 37% endorsed exposure to tics by social media or peers. The two most common co-occurring conditions were anxiety (69%) and depression (51%). There was no significant difference in phenomenology of FT in cisgender versus non-binary or transgender youth. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> Functional tics were more common in adolescent females and were associated with more complex presentation at onset than tic disorders. There was no significant difference in age of onset, symptomatology, and treatment of FT in cisgender versus non-binary or transgender youth. <b>Disclosure:</b> Miss Nguyen has nothing to disclose. Mr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vermilion has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Neurogene. The institution of Dr. Vermilion has received research support from Tourette Association of America, American Academy of Neurology and American Brain Foundation. Dr. Martindale has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Tourette Association of America. The institution of Dr. Martindale has received research support from Tourette Association of America.

1782. Antimicrobial Stewardship Opportunities in Gram-Negative Bacteremia Treatment at a Community Teaching Hospital

Abstract Background Gram Negative Bacteremia (GNB) is frequently encountered among hospitalized patients. In contrast to traditional 14-day lengths of treatment (LOT), recent literature supports a shorter (7-day) LOT for uncomplicated GNB with adequate source control, and the effectiveness of oral antibiotics. The goal of the following is to outline current practices of GNB treatment and identify opportunities for antibiotic stewardship (AS). Methods This study retrospectively reviewed all cases of uncomplicated GNB at a 528-bed community teaching hospital in Rochester, NY from January 2021 through March 2022. Demographic, laboratory, microbiologic, antibiotic therapy data, results of follow-up blood cultures (FUBC), hospital length of stay and 30-day readmission were collected. Exclusions were complicated or polymicrobial bacteremia, deaths during treatment, or prolonged hospitalization due to other medical factors. Influences of Infectious diseases (ID) or AS consult on treatment and outcomes were compared to cases with no consult. Continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-tests; categorical variables were analyzed using Fischer’s exact test and Chi-square as appropriate. Results 133 cases met inclusion criteria. Demographic and laboratory data are in Table 1. The frequency of bacteria isolated and source of infection are in Figure 1 and Figure 2. ID was significantly more often consulted for central line infections (17% vs 3%, p=0.01), and significantly less frequently involved in urinary tract infections (39% vs 69%, p=0.009). While total LOT were similarly longer than current literature supports (11.7 vs 12.5 days, p=0.2644), cases without ID consultation received significantly more days of oral treatment (4.7 vs 7.1 days, p=0.0275). There were no significant differences between receipt and no receipt of AS recommendations. Conclusion GNB continued to receive longer LOTs than current literature recommends, with longer IV durations recommended by ID consultants compared to those without ID consult. Educational initiatives regarding the safety of shorter LOT for GNB, including the efficacy of oral antibiotics, are needed and should include ID specialists. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Hospital to Hospital Transfers of Cerebral Hemorrhage: Characteristics of Early Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment.

Large intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patient transfer to higher level centers is common, but care in these centers rarely demonstrably improves morbidity or reduces mortality. Patients may rapidly progress to brain death, but a large number die shortly after transferring because of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WOLST). This outcome may result in poor resource use and unnecessary cost to patients, families, and institutions. We sought to determine clinical and radiographic predictors of early death or WOLST that may alter potential transfer. We performed a retrospective review of patients admitted from outside medical centers to the neurosciences intensive care unit at Saint Marys Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, from January 2014 to December 2019. Patients ≥ 18years old with a spontaneous ICH were included. Exclusion criteria included trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and subdural hematoma. We identified patients who died or underwent WOLST within 24h of transfer. Descriptive characteristics of patients and ICH were collected. Data were analyzed with univariable, multivariable, and logistic regression. Predictive modeling was performed. An additional case-matched study was completed to evaluate for characteristics further. A total of 317 consecutive patients were identified. Forty-two patients were found with early death or WOLST within 24h of transfer. Do not resuscitate/do not intubate (DNR/DNI) code status (odds ratio [OR] 5.23, confidence interval [CI] 3.31-8.28), anticoagulation use (OR 2.11, CI 1.09-4.09), and lower level of consciousness at presentation based on Glasgow Coma Score (OR 1.41, CI 1.29-1.54) and Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score (OR 1.34, CI 1.26-1.46) were associated with WOLST. Associated characteristics on the computed tomography scan included midline shift (OR 4.64, CI 2.32-9.29), hydrocephalus (OR 9.30, CI 4.56-18.96), and intraventricular extension (OR 5.27, CI 2.60-10.68). Case matching restricted to midline shift demonstrated similarity between patients with aggressive care and WOLST. DNR/DNI code status, warfarin use, ICH score, and composite FOUR score were the best predictive characteristics (area under the curve 0.942). Early death or WOLST after ICH within 24h of presentation was most associated with DNR/DNI code status, warfarin use, ICH score, and lower level of consciousness at presentation. These characteristics may be used by clinicians to guide conversations prior to transfer to tertiary care centers.

Post-discharge early assessment with remote video link (PEARL) initiative for patients discharged from hospital medicine services

ABSTRACT Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the availability and accessibility of outpatient care following hospital discharge. Hospitalists (physicians) and hospital medicine advanced practice providers (HM-APPs) coordinate discharge care of hospitalized patients; however, it is unknown if they can deliver post-discharge virtual care and overcome barriers to outpatient care. The objective was to develop and provide post-discharge virtual care for patients discharged from hospital medicine services. Methods We developed the Post-discharge Early Assessment with Remote video Link (PEARL) initiative for HM-APPs to conduct a post-discharge video visit (to review recommendations) and telephone follow-up (to evaluate adherence) with patients 2–6 days following hospital discharge. Participants included patients discharged from hospital medicine services at an institution’s hospitals in Rochester (May 2020–August 2020) and Austin (November 2020–February 2021) in Minnesota, US. HM-APPs also interviewed patients about their experience with the video visit and completed a survey on their experience with PEARL. Results Of 386 eligible patients, 61.4% were enrolled (n = 237/386) including 48.1% women (n = 114/237). In patients with complete video visit and telephone follow-up (n = 141/237), most were prescribed new medications (83.7%) and took them as prescribed (93.2%). Among five classes of chronic medications, patient-reported adherence ranged from 59.2% (narcotics) to 91.5% (anti-hypertensives). Patient-reported self-management of 12 discharge recommendations ranged from 40% (smoking cessation) to 100% (checking rashes). Patients reported benefit from the video visit (agree: 77.3%) with an equivocal preference for video visits over clinic visits. Among HM-APPs who responded to the survey (88.2%; n = 15/17), 73.3% reported benefit from visual contact with patients but were uncertain if video visits would reduce emergency department visits. Conclusion In this novel initiative, HM-APPs used video visits to provide care beyond their hospital role, reinforce discharge recommendations for patients, and reduce barriers to outpatient care. The effect of this initiative is under evaluation in a randomized controlled trial.

Determinates of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) testing practices among inpatients with diarrhea at selected acute-care hospitals in Rochester, New York, and Atlanta, Georgia, 2020-2021.

We evaluated the impact of test-order frequency per diarrheal episodes on Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) incidence estimates in a sample of hospitals at 2 CDC Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites. Observational survey. Inpatients at 5 acute-care hospitals in Rochester, New York, and Atlanta, Georgia, during two 10-workday periods in 2020 and 2021. We calculated diarrhea incidence, testing frequency, and CDI positivity (defined as any positive NAAT test) across strata. Predictors of CDI testing and positivity were assessed using modified Poisson regression. Population estimates of incidence using modified Emerging Infections Program methodology were compared between sites using the Mantel-Hanzel summary rate ratio. Surveillance of 38,365 patient days identified 860 diarrhea cases from 107 patient-care units mapped to 26 unique NHSN defined location types. Incidence of diarrhea was 22.4 of 1,000 patient days (medians, 25.8 for Rochester and 16.2 for Atlanta; P < .01). Similar proportions of diarrhea cases were hospital onset (66%) at both sites. Overall, 35% of patients with diarrhea were tested for CDI, but this differed by site: 21% in Rochester and 49% in Atlanta (P < .01). Regression models identified location type (ie, oncology or critical care) and laxative use predictive of CDI test ordering. Adjusting for these factors, CDI testing was 49% less likely in Rochester than Atlanta (adjusted rate ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.63). Population estimates in Rochester had a 38% lower incidence of CDI than Atlanta (summary rate ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.54-0.71). Accounting for patient-specific factors that influence CDI test ordering, differences in testing practices between sites remain and likely contribute to regional differences in surveillance estimates.

Hartford's first pediatric surgeon: Ronald W. Cooke, M.D. (1919–2009)

Ronald Wilbur Cooke was born in Newport, RI, in 1919. His family moved to Windsor, CT, where he spent most of his childhood. After completing secondary school, he attended Yale University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1940 and a medical degree in 1943. An early interest in caring for children first led him to a pediatric residency at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY (Fig. 1).

Updating Normal Organ Weights Using a Large Current Sample Database.

Organ weights are an essential part of autopsy analysis. Deviations from normal organ weights provide important clues to disease processes. The assessment of normal organ weights depends on reliable reference tables, but most widely available reference tables are based on data that are either decades old or derived from relatively small sample sizes. To provide an updated reference table of organ weights based on contemporary sources and a large sample size. Organ weights from 4197 carefully screened autopsies performed on adults at the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office in West Palm Beach, Florida, and the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Height and body weight data in this study reflect the well-recognized increases in both variables, but most particularly in body weight, seen during the last decades. The study data show a strong positive association between organ weight and body weight for the heart, liver, and spleen. There is a similar but weaker association between body weight and the weight of the lungs and kidneys. Brain weight is independent of body weight but shows a strong negative association with age. Even when controlling for body weight, men's organs are heavier, except for the weight of the liver, which is comparable in men and women. These associations are in agreement with the findings of previous studies. The current study suggests that, for some of the commonly weighed organs, there has been an increase in median organ weight when compared with existing references. The tables presented here provide an updated reference that should prove useful to autopsy pathologists in the forensic and hospital settings.

Stroke Features, Risk Factors, and Pathophysiology in SARS-CoV-2–Infected Patients

ObjectiveTo provide a comprehensive description of stroke characteristics, risk factors, laboratory parameters, and treatment in a series of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–infected patients admitted to Mayo Clinic hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix, Arizona, as well as the Mayo Clinic Health System. Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively identified hospitalized patients in whom stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection were diagnosed within the same 3-month interval between September 8, 2019, and December 31, 2020. and extracted data on all available variables of interest. We further incorporated our findings into the existing body of basic science research to present a schematic model illustrating the proposed pathogenesis of ischemic stroke in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients. ResultsWe identified 30 cases during the study period, yielding a 0.5% stroke rate across 6381 SARS-CoV-2–infected hospitalized patients. Strokes were ischemic in 26 of 30 individuals and hemorrhagic in 4 of 30. Traditional risk factors were common including hypertension (24 of 30), hyperlipidemia (18 of 30), smoking history (13 of 30), diabetes (11 of 30), and atrial fibrillation (8 of 30). The most common ischemic stroke mechanisms were cardioembolism (9 of 26) and cryptogenic (9 of 26). Intravenous alteplase and mechanical thrombectomy were administered to 2 of 26 and 1 of 26, respectively. The median (interquartile range) serum C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, D-dimer, fibrinogen, and ferritin levels were 66 (21-210) mg/L, 116 (8-400) pg/mL, 1267 (556-4510) ng/mL, 711 (263-772) mg/dL, and 407 (170-757) mcg/L, respectively, which were elevated in individuals with available results. ConclusionThe high prevalence of vascular risk factors and concurrent elevation of proinflammatory and procoagulation biomarkers suggest that there is an interplay between both factors in the pathogenesis of stroke in SARS-CoV-2–infected patients.

668. Restricting Ordering of Multiplex Gastrointestinal Panel Improves Test Utilization

BackgroundThe multiplex gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GIP) is a convenient and quick diagnostic test for determining the infectious etiology of diarrhea. It identifies several of the most common pathogens associated with gastroenteritis. However, it is expensive, and test results may not impact care, given that several of the pathogens in the panel are managed expectantly. We describe our experience with a diagnostic stewardship initiative to resolve the overuse of this testing method. MethodsWe performed a pre/post study of GIPs ordered for inpatients 18 years old and older from December 19, 2018, to December 18, 2020, at Mayo Clinic hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. GIP orders for inpatients were limited to the first 72 hours of hospitalization starting December 19, 2019. Orders after 72 hours were encouraged to be changed to Clostridioides difficile NAAT testing or sent to an infectious disease provider to override on a case-by-case basis. Our hospitals used BioFire® FilmArray® Gastrointestinal Panel (BioFire Diagnostics, Salt Lake City, Utah).ResultsA total of 2,641 GIPs were performed during the study period. There were 1,568 GIPs (3.3/100 hospitalizations) in the pre-intervention period compared to 1,073 (2.6/100 hospitalizations) post-intervention, representing a drop of 21.2%. The most common pathogen detected was C. difficile (toxin A/B) (48.8%, n=402), followed by norovirus (17.5%, n=144). The overall test positivity rate was 27.9% (n=736). The test positivity rate decreased 1.8% from 28.6% (n=448) to 26.8% (n=288) after the restriction (p=0.33). The proportion of C. difficile among all pathogens detected increased from 48.5% to 49.7% (p=0.67).Table 1. Pre- and Post-Intervention Test Positivity Rate of Specific Pathogens in GIP ConclusionOur study showed that restricting the ordering of GIP to the first 72 hours of hospitalization and directing providers to standalone C. difficile NAAT testing resulted in a reduction of GIPs performed. There were marginal changes in the test positivity rate of GIP. A limitation of our study is that the timing of post-intervention coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which had unpredictable effects on hospital practice and patient admissions. Ideally, future quality improvement projects should increase the test positivity of pathogens other than C. difficile while lowering the GIP use in diagnosing C. difficile colitis. Disclosures John C. O'Horo, Sr., MD, MPH, Bates College and Elsevier Inc (Consultant)

Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Among Hospitalized Adults, 2017-2020.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes acute respiratory illness (ARI) and triggers exacerbations of cardiopulmonary disease. Estimates of incidence in hospitalized adults range widely, with few data on incidence in adults with comorbidities that increase the risk of severity. We conducted a prospective, population-based, surveillance study to estimate incidence of RSV hospitalization among adults overall and those with specific comorbidities. Hospitalized adults aged ≥18 years residing in the surveillance area with ≥2 ARI symptoms or exacerbation of underlying cardiopulmonary disease were screened during the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 RSV seasons in 3 hospitals in Rochester, New York and New York City. Respiratory specimens were tested for RSV using polymerase chain reaction assays. RSV incidence per 100 000 was adjusted by market share. Active and passive surveillance identified 1099 adults hospitalized with RSV. Annual incidence during 3 seasons ranged from 44.2 to 58.9/100 000. Age-group-specific incidence ranged from 7.7 to 11.9/100 000, 33.5 to 57.5/100 000, and 136.9 to 255.6/100 000 in patients ages 18-49, 50-64, and ≥65 years, respectively. Incidence rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure were 3-13, 4-7, and 4-33 times, respectively, the incidence in patients without these conditions. We found a high burden of RSV hospitalization in this large prospective study. Notable was the high incidence among older patients and those with cardiac conditions. These data confirm the need for effective vaccines to prevent RSV infection in older and vulnerable adults.

Prevalence of Anemia Across Trimesters in Multiethnic Pregnant Women

ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize prevalence and determinants of anemia in a multiethnic cohort of pregnant women. MethodsA retrospective medical chart review was undertaken of all deliveries occurring from 2011 to 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY. Among a total of 53,642 deliveries, 42,289 occurred to women with no underlying health complications. Anemia was defined using the CDC criteria as < 11g/dL in the first (T1) and third trimesters (T3) and < 10.5 g/dL in the second trimester (T2). Mean Hb concentration was compared between trimesters and racial groups by ANOVA and post-hoc pairwise comparisons. Relationships between prevalence of anemia by trimesters, racial groups, and BMI were examined by chi-square or t-tests. Logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the risk factors associated with anemia. ResultsPregnant women had a mean age of 29.8 ± 5.5 y (range: 13–52 y) at delivery. The majority of women (66.8%) self-identified as white, 20.0% as black, 3.8% as Asian, and 9.4% as Other. Mean Hb concentrations significantly differed by trimester [12.6 ± 1.0, 11.5 ± 1.1, and 11.8 ± 1.3 g/dL in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, p < 0.001]. Mean Hb was significantly lower in black women in each trimester by -0.8 (T1), -0.7 (T2), and -1.0 g/dL (T3) compared to white women. White women had the highest Hb concentrations in T1 and T2 (12.8 ± 0.9, 11.8 ± 1.0 g/dL) while Asian women had the highest Hb concentrations in T3 (12.2 ± 1.2 g/dL, n = 1577, p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of anemia was 17.1%, which significantly increased across pregnancy [4.5% (T1), 16.4% (T2) and 25.2% (T3), p < 0.001]. Observed rates of anemia were higher than the estimated NHANES (1999–2006) prevalence in pregnant women. After stratifying by racial groups, higher BMI was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of anemia in T2 and T3 only in black women and in those whose race was categorized as Other. ConclusionsThe prevalence of anemia was highest in black pregnant women in all trimesters, while it was lowest in white pregnant women in T1 and T2, and in Asians in T3. Risk factors associated with anemia included late gestation or self-reported race as black or Other. Funding SourcesNone.

Health Care Costs and Utilization Predictions by the Skilled Nursing Facility Readmission Risk Instrument

ObjectivesHealth care providers at hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are increasingly expected to optimize care of post-acute patients to reduce hospital readmissions and contain costs. To achieve these goals, providers need to understand their patients’ risk of hospital readmission and how this risk is associated with health care costs. A previously developed risk prediction model identifies patients’ probability of 30-day hospital readmission at the time of discharge to an SNF. With a computerized algorithm, we translated this model as the Skilled Nursing Facility Readmission Risk (SNFRR) instrument. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between 30-day health care costs and hospital readmissions according to the level of risk calculated by this model. DesignThis retrospective cohort study used SNFRR scores to evaluate patient data. Setting and ParticipantsThe patients were discharged from Mayo Clinic Rochester hospitals to 11 area SNFs. MethodsWe compared the outcomes of all-cause 30-day standardized direct medical costs and hospital readmissions between risk quartiles based on the distribution of SNFRR scores for patients discharged to SNFs for post-acute care from April 1 through November 30, 2017. ResultsMean 30-day all-cause standardized costs were positively associated with SNFRR score quartiles and ranged from $9199 in the fourth quartile (probability of readmission, 0.27-0.66) to $2679 in the first quartile (probability of readmission, 0.07-0.13) (P ≤ .05). Patients in the fourth SNFRR score quartile had 5.68 times the odds of 30-day hospital readmission compared with those in the first quartile. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe SNFRR instrument accurately predicted standardized direct health care costs for patients on discharge to an SNF and their risk for 30-day hospital readmission. Therefore, it could be used to help categorize patients for preemptive interventions. Further studies are needed to confirm its validity in other institutions and geographic areas.

Unlocking My Father's Story

Unlocking My Father's Story Deanne Quinn Miller (bio) I grew up as a child in a little town in Attica, New York, the daughter of a murdered corrections officer. I was five years old at the time, in first grade, when I heard the prison sirens blow shortly after 9:00 a.m. It was a short time after that when our school principle arrived at my classroom doorway and walked me down to the office where I saw my neighbor standing. She was taking my sister and me to my grandparents in Darien. My grandmother said our father had been hurt at work and that my mom was going to see him. I knew my dad worked in the prison, but I could not fathom that that morning before school would be the last time I would see him. Two days later, on September 11, 1971, our father, William Quinn, died in a Rochester hospital due to injuries he sustained by rioting inmates. My life was forever changed. As I grew older, memories of my dad became harder to recall. Later in life I would learn how childhood trauma affects memory, sometimes creating a wall that blocks recollections, only allowing snapshot-like memories. There are still long spans of my childhood that I cannot unearth from my memory. Sometimes a partial memory is prompted by a photograph or an anecdote from a family member, but many are gone completely. Now, even fifty years later, I still see those early days in fragments. As the years have passed, I have combined my spotty memories with the few details my family and others shared with me. I knew my connection, but I didn't know my history. Those are two different things. I was the oldest daughter of the first person to die in the Attica riot, but who was I? Who was my dad? I recognized that there was more to know, more to learn, and I could either run from it or search for it. In my childhood I would sometimes ask my mom or relatives questions about my father, only to receive small bits of information. I'm still not sure if this was an attempt to shield my sisters and me from the truth or if it was instead a form of my family's own selfpreservation. But, after my father's death, his parents rarely spoke about him. My grandparents were strong Irish Catholics, but the death of their son was just too much to bear. I always knew that my questions about my father were sometimes not welcome, too painful for [End Page 35] Click for larger view View full resolution Grandpa's Keys by Cassidy Quinn Miller (charcoal on paper). This drawing depicts three keys to the Attica State Correctional Facility. The keys were recovered on the belt of Corrections Officer William Quinn, who was killed in the line of duty during the initial uprising at Attica in September 1971. The keys were one of the few tangible connections to the uprising available to Officer Quinn's family. Drawn by his granddaughter, the grey cement background represents the outside walls of Attica Prison. The dragonfly symbolizes transformation and adaptability. It appears in people's lives to remind them to embrace lightness and joy. courtesy of cassidy quinn miller anyone in my family to relive, especially for my mother. I longed to know what my father was like, since my cherished childhood memories continued to fade with each passing day. I first recall the riot coming up in a social studies class in junior high. I'm not sure if the rest of the country studied the riot—after all this was only eight years later—but I assume we did because of the proximity to the prison and its history. On the occasions when I was able to stay in class and listen to the history lecture on Attica, it was quite different than what I had heard in my home growing up. The riot's anniversary would typically prompt discussions, and at other times in the school year it would come up in the normal curriculum flow. I'd get upset because...

Using a Direct Observation Tool (TOC-CEX) to Standardize Transitions of Care by Residents at a Community Hospital.

Background: High-quality transitions of care are crucial for patient safety in hospitals, yet few undergraduate curricula include transition-of-care training. In 2012, the Wayne State University Office of Graduate Medical Education (WSUGME) required its residency programs to use the SAIF-IR mnemonic (summary, active issues, if-then contingency planning, follow-up activities, interactive questioning, readback) to ensure accurate and uniform handoffs. Subsequent program evaluations indicated that resident awareness and adoption of the mnemonic at our primary clinical site, Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital (APRH), could be improved. According to our institution's 2016 Clinical Learning Environment Review (CLER), 88% of residents reported following a standardized transition of care handoff, and 53% reported that faculty rarely supervised their handoffs. A 2016 WSUGME internal survey also revealed low rates of awareness (7% to 10%) of the mandated mnemonic. WSUGME then created a direct observation tool, the Transitions of Care-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (TOC-CEX), for faculty to monitor resident skill in using the mnemonic and thus standardize transitions of care as a practice habit at APRH.Methods: Since 2014, WSUGME had relied on 2 methods for training residents in the required handoff mnemonic: (1) introduction to the SAIF-IR mnemonic during the WSUGME orientation for all interns and (2) simulations during an objective simulated handoff evaluation activity for all postgraduate year (PGY) 1s and PGY 2s. In 2017, WSUGME innovated a direct observation tool, the TOC-CEX, for adoption by faculty at APRH to assess resident knowledge of and monitor their skill in using the SAIF-IR mnemonic in 3 primary care programs. The total number of possible participants was 138, and the actual number of individuals in the sample was 95. A majority (86%) of the observations during the study period were of PGY 1 residents, and thus the analysis reflects the ratings of 99% of all interns but only 69% of all possible residents.Results: WSUGME found that faculty use of a direct observation instrument in the clinical learning environment during 2017-2019 increased awareness and adoption of the SAIF-IR mnemonic among residents. Using a z-test of equal proportions on resident responses on an internal WSUGME survey, we found a significant rise in the percentage reporting yes to the question “Does your program have a mechanism for monitoring handoffs?” (χ2[3]=23.6, P<0.0001) and in the percentage identifying SAIF-IR in response to the question “Does your program endorse a specific mnemonic for organizing the contents of a verbal handoff?” (χ2[3]=45.0, P<0.0001). The increase from 2016 to 2017 is the result of the implementation of the TOC-CEX in the interim (question 1: χ2[1]=12.4, P<0.0005; question 2: χ2[1]=10.1, P<0.0025).Conclusion: Our research found that use of the TOC-CEX to monitor resident handoffs resulted in improved awareness and adoption of the SAIF-IR mnemonic in the clinical learning environment. Program leadership reported that the practice was both feasible and well accepted by residents, faculty, and the APRH chief medical officer as the TOC-CEX became a customary component of APRH organizational culture and was perceived as central to quality patient care.

Expedited surgery in geriatric hip fracture patients taking direct oral anticoagulants is not associated with increased short-term complications or mortality rates.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential differences in time to surgery, bleeding risk, wound complications, length of stay, transfusion rate, and 30-day mortality between patients anticoagulated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and those not anticoagulated at the time of evaluation for an acute hip fracture.Design:Retrospective chart review Level III Study.Setting:One university-based hospital in Rochester, NY.Patients/Intervention: Patients 65 years and older undergoing operative treatment of a hip fracture over a 5-year period. Chart review identified patients on DOAC therapy at the time of injury as well as an age and sex-matched control group not on anticoagulation.Main outcome measurements: Demographics, procedure type, admission/postoperative laboratory work, perioperative metrics, transfusion metrics, discharge course, reoperation, readmission, wound complications, and 30-day mortality were obtained for comparison.Results:Thirty-six hip fractures anticoagulated on DOACs were compared to 108 controls. The DOAC group had delays to operative treatment (27.6 h, SD 16.3 h, 95% CL [22.0–33.1]) vs the control group (19.8 h, SD 10.5 h, 95% CL [17.7–21.8], P = .01). No differences were found in estimated blood loss, procedure time, or change in hemoglobin. Transfusion rates were not significantly different between groups (58.3% DOAC vs 47.2% control, P = .25). No difference in reoperation, readmission, wound complication, deep venous thrombosis rates, or 30-day mortality rates were found.Conclusion:Patients presenting on DOAC therapy at the time of hip fracture have a delay to surgery compared with age and sex-matched controls, but no increase in short term complications or mortality rates. Expedited surgery (within 48 h) appeared to be safe and effective treatment for hip fracture patients on DOAC therapies.