Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Data Research Articles

Has the National Fall in Smoking Rates in Ireland Been Replicated in Cancer Patients? A 5-Year Report.

Smoking among cancer patients leads to poorer outcomes, yet many patients continue smoking. As part of a feasibility study of smoking cessation for cancer patients in Ireland, smoking rates were reviewed. Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) data on the smoking status of discharges with a cancer diagnosis (overall, breast, lung, cervical and head and neck cancer) were used (2014–2018). During 2014–2017, current smoking increased for overall (10.5–11.7%) and lung cancer (24.7–27.2%), then decreased to 11.4% and 24.1%, respectively, in 2018. Current smoking increased for cervical during 2014–2018 (11–19.8%) and initially (2014–2016) for head and neck (3–12.7%) cancer, decreasing to 7.6% in 2018; breast cancer was stable at 6 ± 0.6%. These rates are lower than the Irish (23–20%) and European (29% (average)) general population. During 2014–2017, past smoking increased among overall (15.2–21%) and specific cancers, which was lower than the Irish general population (23–28%). Current smoking was highest among 50–59-year-olds (14–16%), which contrasts with the Irish general population (24–35 years at 32–28%). HIPE data are subject to potential duplicate episodes of care and under-documentation of smoking. However, trend analysis is useful, as these limitations should be stable. Rates remain high; therefore, robust documentation and smoking cessation referrals for cancer patients are important.

Five-year follow-up and outcomes of takotsubo/stress cardiomyopathy in a single centre- an irish perspective

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TC) is an acute cardiac presentation characterised by acute myocardial injury and transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, in the absence of obstructive coronary disease(1). Postulated causes include catecholamine excess, microvascular dysfunction, and multi-vessel coronary artery spasm. Predominantly seen in post-menopausal women, frequently triggered by emotional or physical stressor with in-hospital mortality rate reported at 2-5%(2). We present a single centre experience of TC with five-year follow-up. Methods We performed a retrospective descriptive study of patients with a diagnosis of TC coded by Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data from a tertiary level Irish hospital between 2010 and 2016. Data collection was electronic patient records/chart review. 21 cases were confirmed by modified Mayo Clinic criteria(3). Three patients were lost to follow up, two patients died during the follow-up period and one patient was excluded due to a focal area of transmural infarction on follow-up cardiac magnetic-resonance imaging (CMRI). Follow up data was obtained on sixteen patients up to 01/08/2021. Statistical analysis using SPSS v. 27, expressed as mean +- SD in %. Results Mean age at event was 64 +/- 12 years, 95% were female. Triggers identified in 55% of cases; emotional stressors in 35%, physical stressors in 25%. All had raised Troponin I (peak 3.13 ± 2.42ng/ml) and electrocardiograph (ECG) changes. Coronary angiography performed in all with no or mild CAD in seventeen and moderate CAD in two cases. CMRI was performed in 60% (n = 12) at on average 14.8 months post discharge. Average left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 31+/- 8% and 62+/-7% at diagnosis and follow up respectively, improving in all cases with mean improvement of 30.8 +/-11% (p < 0.001). Three patients had a further TC event. Two of the cases underwent angiography at the time of second presentation with normal coronary arteries and follow-up imaging showed full LVEF recovery in both cases. The third patient is awaiting follow-up CMRI. Of the recurrent cases two occurred despite best medical therapy. Two of the cases showed full recovery of LVEF between events and one showed minimal LVEF improvement prior to recurrence but full recovery after the second event. All patients who remained in Ireland had initial follow up (n = 15), 46% attend Cardiology outpatients in 2021. Conclusions Our demographic data is similar to previous studies with the majority of cases occurring in postmenopausal women(4). Our mortality rate was 9.5%, current published prognostic data in TC are limited and conflicting(2). The recurrence rate among our small cohort was 16.6% (n = 3) despite cardio-protective medications in two of the three cases, higher than previous reviews(5). The time to clinical and imaging follow up was discordant but all patients in our follow up group regained a normal LVEF which is very reassuring and in-keeping with prior studies. Abstract Figure. TTE apical 4-chamber view Abstract Figure. CMRI 4-chamber view end systole

The decline of hip fracture incidence rates over a 10-year period: A single centre experience

AimsAccurate epidemiological hip fracture data is essential for healthcare planning and targeted prevention strategies. Limited reports of hip fracture incidence rates in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) exist. The aim is to calculate the current age- and gender-specific incidence of hip fractures in a level 1 Trauma Centre in the ROI, and the difference in these rates over a 10 year period. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective, population-based, observational study. The local Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) database was used to generate data for analysis; capturing all patients admitted for hip fracture in three time periods over 10 years. Patients < 55 years old, pathological fractures, and periprosthetic fractures were excluded. Age- and gender-specific incidence rate was calculated using HIPE and national census data. ResultsAbsolute number of hip fractures rose by 8.5% between 2008/09 (n = 800) and 2018/19 (n = 868) time periods. Cervical hip fractures dominated in all 3 time periods. The average age of patients remained at 80 years but length of stay for patients was reduced by 16% 5 years later and by 21% 10 years later from the initial study point. Both the entire and susceptible (> 55 years) population numbers increased by 13% and 30%, respectively, yet overall hip fracture incidence rate declined 10 years on. Hip fracture incidence rate in the entire population fell by 3.23 per 100,000 population, and by 65.11 per 100,000 population in the susceptible population. The majority of both male and female age groups exhibited declining annual incidence rates over the 10 year study period. ConclusionResults are consistent with the global experience of declining overall incidence rate of hip fractures, despite rising susceptible population numbers. This report adds to the sparse hip fracture incidence data available in the ROI which can be applied in future healthcare planning strategies.

Hypertension in pregnancy: Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes for women birthing in Ireland.

The purpose of this study was to identify the number of pregnancies affected by hypertension in Ireland and report on possible risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes for women and their babies. Data on maternity hospital discharges for women giving birth in Ireland in 2016 were extracted from the national Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data system. Women with a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were identified using relevant ICD codes. Descriptive statistics were used to present prevalence, and Pearson's Chi-square and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors and pregnancy outcomes. Differences between proportions were analysed by Pearson's Chi-squared test of independence. Of 60,188 maternities reported for the year 2016, 5.9% of women (n=3531) had a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and 4.6% (n=2790) had pre-eclampsia. Rates were higher among women with pre-existing diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity and those aged ≥40years. After adjusting for maternal age, pre-existing DM, GDM, obesity and tobacco use, obesity (AOR 4.3; 95% CI: 3.2-5.7; p<0.001), pre-existing diabetes (AOR 3.5; 95% CI: 2.5-4-9; p<0.001), gestational diabetes (AOR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.8; p<0.001) and being aged ≥40years (AOR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3-1.7; p<0.001) remained significantly associated with being diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in the Republic of Ireland. In Ireland where maternal age at childbirth is increasing, the association of hypertension with advancing age will undoubtedly contribute to a greater prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their potential adverse outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. This retrospective study highlights the prevalence rates in Ireland while also identifying possible risk factors and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. They pinpoint the need for further research to look in more detail at risk factors and adverse outcomes for the 79% (n=2790) of women presenting with pre-eclampsia among this large nationally representative sample of women.

Admission of patients with acute urinary retention leads to a definitive management decision.

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common urologic emergency. However, its management is not standardized due to lack of clinical guidelines. We retrospectively reviewed the treatment of all male patients admitted to our institution with AUR over 12months. Data was obtained from the HIPE (Hospital Inpatient Enquiry) data system, each patient's electronic discharge summary and from patient medical records. There were 130 AUR admissions during the period. About 74 admissions were due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Of these, 45.9% (n = 34) passed their trial without catheter (TWOC). The remainder (n = 40) failed their TWOC necessitating recatheterization and consideration for transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) or re-TWOC. An indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) was inserted for 27.5% (n = 11) of patients with a failed TWOC secondary to comorbidities. This group had a mean age of 78years (range 68-96years). Of those who failed their TWOC, 32.5% (n = 13) had a TURP on index admission. Of the remaining 16 patients with failed TWOC, 75% (n = 12) were discharged with an IDC and readmitted for an elective TURP with a median waiting time of 55days (range 17-138days). 18.75% (n = 3) passed a re-TWOC and thus offset the need to have any surgical intervention and 6.25% (n = 1) proceeded to a radical retropubic prostatectomy for biopsy proven prostate adenocarcinoma. Admission of patients with acute urinary retention leads to a definitive management decision and reduced prolonged catheterization.

Venous thromboembolism incidence in the Ireland east hospital group: a retrospective 22-month observational study

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the incidence of hospital-acquired VTE (HA-VTE) arising within the population served by the Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG).Design/home/user/Documents/Sathish Kumar G/RFO/June/21-06-2019/bmjopen_iss_9_7_20190621_1/ A...

The dangers of hurling-genital injuries arising in the modern game.

To assess the proportion of penoscrotal injuries arising from the sport of hurling and to assess work-up and management of each injury. Using Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data, all penoscrotal injuries occurring over a 10-year period between 2007 and 2017 were identified and assessed. Chart review, imaging reports, operative notes and discharge summaries were used to identify the aetiology of each injury and those occurring due to hurling were selected for analysis. Investigations and management of each case were reviewed. Seventy patients presented to our institution over a 10-year period with penoscrotal injuries and, of these, ten patients (14%) presented with injuries arising due to blunt scrotal trauma whilst playing hurling. The average age of these patients was 24.3years, and the right testicle was injured six times, compared with the left testicle twice and isolated scrotal injuries twice also. One hundred percent of patients underwent diagnostic ultrasonography with Doppler flow assessment with 90% (n = 9) having positive findings. Three patients (33%) required operative management with only one patient (10%) requiring an orchidectomy. There were no delayed or interval procedures. Hurling is a physical sport with a notable proportion of blunt scrotal trauma arising due to the sport. Prompt physical examination and diagnostic ultrasonography are essential in investigations of injuries, and surgical exploration should be considered in all cases with concerns of testicular survival. Groin protection should be recommended to all players and in particular to those at high risk such as single testis or prior injury.

Investigating the healthcare utilisation and other support needs of people with young-onset dementia

IntroductionThere exists a knowledge gap about the specific needs and utilisation of healthcare services by people with young-onset dementia (YOD), defined as being diagnosed before the patient is 65 years of age. Palliative care for dementia has received increasing attention, yet those with YOD have been overlooked. ObjectiveTo explore healthcare utilisation, including at end-of-life, of people with YOD in Ireland, using hospital electronic records for case finding. MethodWe obtained Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data identifying all people with YOD admitted to three large urban hospitals between 2009 and 2016, and conducted a retrospective chart review. Information collected included demographics, medical and psychosocial history, functional capacity, last hospital admission, mortality and details regarding an advance care plan (ACP), using a standardised extraction form. ResultsOf the 121 patients identified, 50% were male. The commonest dementia types were: dementia secondary to Down’s syndrome (16%), vascular (14%), frontotemporal (13%) and Alzheimer’s disease (13%). 88% had ≥1 comorbid disease, including neurological (55%), cardiovascular (36%), and mental health illnesses (29%). Although 70% of people with YOD had an indication for an ACP (i.e. one or more markers of limited life expectancy), only 11% had any ACP recorded. 37% of patients had died, most commonly due to a complication of advanced dementia (e.g. aspiration pneumonia) rather than comorbid illness. ConclusionPeople with YOD most commonly die from complications of dementia, as opposed to people with late-onset dementia, who often die with dementia. Advanced care planning appears to be suboptimal in people with YOD. More research is essential to inform future policies and services for this often neglected population.

Financial impact of inaccurate Adverse Event recording post Hip Fracture surgery: Addendum to 'Adverse event recording post hip fracture surgery'.

A study in 2011 by (Doody et al. Ir Med J 106(10):300-302, 2013) looked at comparing inpatient adverse events recorded prospectively at the point of care, with adverse events recorded by the national Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) System. In the study, a single-centre University Hospital in Ireland treating acute hip fractures in an orthopaedic unit recorded 39 patients over a 2-month (August-September 2011) period, with 55 adverse events recorded prospectively in contrast to the HIPE record of 13 (23.6%) adverse events. With the recent change in the Irish hospital funding model from block grant to an 'activity-based funding' on the basis of case load and case complexity, the hospital financial allocation is dependent on accurate case complexity coding. A retrospective assessment of the financial implications of the two methods of adverse incident recording was carried out. A total of €39,899 in 'missed funding' for 2months was calculated when the ward-based, prospectively collected data was compared to the national HIPE data. Accurate data collection is paramount in facilitating activity-based funding, to improve patient care and ensure the appropriate allocation of resources.

Adherence to clinical guidelines and the potential economic benefits of admission avoidance for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis.

The treatment paradigm for acute diverticulitis is changing. There is an increasing trend towards managing patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis in the community. The aim of this study was to analyse how acute diverticulitis is managed in our institution and also to analyse national data pertaining to treatment of acute diverticulitis. A prospective database of all patients admitted to our institution over a 2-year period (2014-2016) with acute diverticulitis was maintained. Severity of disease, treatment received and average length of stay (LOS) were analysed for all patients. Contemporaneous hospital inpatient enquiry (HIPE) data was interrogated to analyse current management for acute diverticulitis at a national level. One hundred twenty-six patients were admitted to our institution with acute diverticulitis during the study period (inpatient stay=€1277/night). Of patients, 59.5% had uncomplicated diverticulitis while 40.5% had complicated disease. The median LOS was 4 (range 1-34)days and 8 (range 2-51)days in the uncomplicated and complicated group, respectively. Based on HIPE data, there were 11,357 patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis and 526 patients with complicated diverticulitis admitted to Irish hospitals in the year 2015. Nationally, the median LOS for those with uncomplicated diverticulitis was 3 (range 1-142)days and for those with complicated diverticulitis the median LOS was 7 (range 1-308)days. Projected total cost for hospital stay nationally for uncomplicated diverticulitis amounted to €43.5 million for the year 2015. At present, uncomplicated diverticulitis in Ireland is not being managed as per evidence-based guidelines. Changing practice could result in significant cost savings for surgical departments.

Best practice in the management of clinical coding services: Insights from a project in the Republic of Ireland, Part 2.

This is the second of two articles about best practice in the management of coding services. The best practice project was part of a year-long project conducted in the Republic of Ireland to review the quality of the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry data for its use in activity-based funding. The four methods used to address the best practice aspect of the project were described in detail in Part 1. The results included in this article are those relating to the coding manager's background, preparation and style, clinical coder (CC) workforce adequacy, the CC workforce structure and career pathway, and the physical and psychological work environment for the clinical coding service. Examples of best practice were found in the study hospitals but there were also areas for improvement. Coding managers would benefit from greater support in the form of increased opportunities for management training and a better method for calculating CC workforce numbers. A career pathway is needed for CCs to progress from entry to expert CC, mentor, manager and quality controller. Most hospitals could benefit from investment in infrastructure that places CCs in a physical environment that tells them they are an important part of the hospital and their work is valued.

Best practice in the management of clinical coding services: Insights from a project in the Republic of Ireland, Part 1

Introduction: This article presents some of the results of a year-long project in the Republic of Ireland to review the quality of the hospital inpatient enquiry data for its use in activity-based funding (ABF). This is the first of two papers regarding best practice in the management of clinical coding services. Methods: Four methods were used to address this aspect of the project, namely a literature review, a workshop, an assessment of the coding services in 12 Irish hospitals by structured interviews of the clinical coding managers, and a medical record audit of the clinical codes in 10 hospitals. Results: The results included here are those relating to the quality of the medical records, coding work allocation and supervision processes, data quality control measures, communication with clinicians, and the visibility of clinical coders, their managers, and the coding service. Conclusion: The project found instances of best practice in the study hospitals but also found several areas needing improvement. These included improving the structure and content of the medical record, clinician engagement with the clinical coding teams and the ABF process, and the use of data quality control measures.

Magnitude of non-operative surgical emergency admissions; service implications for surgical and radiological practice.

Financial sustainability is an area of sharp ongoing focus across the broad spectrum of the Irish Health Service. Recent attention has been drawn to the financial implications of non-operative surgical admissions, suggesting that some of these may be unnecessary. In this study, we aim to determine the volume of emergency surgical admissions to Mayo University Hospital (MUH), in particular, to identify the scale of non-operative admissions and to assess the wider inherent implications for acute hospital services. An electronic handover system for emergency surgical admissions was introduced in MUH in September 2014. All surgical admissions from September 1st 2014 to August 31st 2015 were identified from this prospectively maintained database. HIPE (Hospital Inpatient Enquiry) data were not used in this study. Theatre logbooks confirmed those patients who required operative intervention. 1466 patients were admitted as emergencies during the study period. 58% (850) were male and median age was 48years (0-100). Average length of stay was 5days (range 1-125). 327 patients (22.3%) required operative intervention. The most commonly performed procedure was appendicectomy (52.5%). 48 (3.3%) patients were transferred to other hospitals. 131 (8.9%) admissions related to the acute urological conditions. Of the 1466 admissions, 546 underwent a CT scan, while 342 patients proceeded to ultrasound. Almost 80% of all surgical emergency admissions were discharged without undergoing a formal operative procedure while generating a significant workload for the radiology department. Changes in working practices and hospital network structures will be required to reduce the burden of non-operative emergency admissions.

Underreporting of Viral Encephalitis and Viral Meningitis, Ireland, 2005–2008

Viral encephalitis (VE) and viral meningitis (VM) have been notifiable infectious diseases under surveillance in the Republic of Ireland since 1981. Laboratories have reported confirmed cases by detection of viral nucleic acid in cerebrospinal fluid since 2004. To determine the prevalence of these diseases in Ireland during 2005–2008, we analyzed 3 data sources: Hospital In-patient Enquiry data (from hospitalized following patients discharge) accessed through Health Intelligence Ireland, laboratory confirmations from the National Virus Reference Laboratory, and events from the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting surveillance system. We found that the national surveillance system underestimates the incidence of these diseases in Ireland with a 10-fold higher VE hospitalization rate and 3-fold higher VM hospitalization rate than the reporting rate. Herpesviruses were responsible for most specified VE and enteroviruses for most specified VM from all 3 sources. Recommendations from this study have been implemented to improve the surveillance of these diseases in Ireland.

Cardiovascular disease burden in acute public hospitals in Ireland: estimates for 2021 and 2031

Ireland is undergoing a demographic shift to a higher proportion of older people in the population. It is expected that this demographic shift will significantly increase the burden of care on an already overstretched acute hospitals system. This study was conducted to estimate the future burden of care on acute public hospitals pertaining to 'diseases of the circulatory system' and 'procedures on cardiovascular system' in Ireland using Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) data for 2006 and population projections for 2021 and 2031. Age-specific rates derived from HIPE data for 2006 and census figures for the same year were applied to population projections for 2021 and 2031 to get case number estimates in those years. The number of discharges with a primary diagnosis of diseases of the circulatory system is estimated to increase by 51 % by 2021 and 97 % by 2031 relative to 2006 figures. For people aged 65+ years, case numbers are estimated to increase by 65 % by 2021 and 133 % by 2031 relative to 2006 case numbers. The number of procedures performed is estimated to increase by 47 % by 2021 and 82 % by 2031 relative to 2006 figures. For people aged 65+ years, case numbers are estimated to increase by 63 % by 2021 and 120 % by 2031 relative to 2006 case numbers. The results reflect the aging of the Irish population. The expected increases in case numbers will pose significant burden on acute public hospitals and the cost of providing care.

Trends in the Incidence of Lower Extremity Amputations in People with and without Diabetes over a Five-Year Period in the Republic of Ireland

AimsTo describe trends in the incidence of non-traumatic amputations among people with and without diabetes and estimate the relative risk of an individual with diabetes undergoing a lower extremity amputation compared to an individual without diabetes in the Republic of Ireland.MethodsAll adults who underwent a nontraumatic amputation during 2005 to 2009 were identified using HIPE (Hospital In-patient Enquiry) data. Participants were classified as having diabetes or not having diabetes. Incidence rates were calculated using the number of discharges for diabetes and non-diabetes related lower extremity amputations as the numerator and estimates of the resident population with and without diabetes as the denominator. Age-adjusted incidence rates were used for trend analysis.ResultsTotal diabetes-related amputation rates increased non-significantly during the study period; 144.2 in 2005 to 175.7 in 2009 per 100,000 people with diabetes (p = 0.11). Total non-diabetes related amputation rates dropped non-significantly from 12.0 in 2005 to 9.2 in 2009 per 100,000 people without diabetes (p = 0.16). An individual with diabetes was 22.3 (95% CI 19.1–26.1) times more likely to undergo a nontraumatic amputation than an individual without diabetes in 2005 and this did not change significantly by 2009.DiscussionThis study provides the first national estimate of lower extremity amputation rates in the Republic of Ireland. Diabetes-related amputation rates have remained steady despite an increase in people with diabetes. These estimates provide a base-line and will allow follow-up over time.

Programme de surveillance des maladies à caractère professionnel : comparaison interrégionale en 2008

The purpose of this study was to identify the number of pregnancies affected by hypertension in Ireland and report on possible risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes for women and their babies.Data on maternity hospital discharges for women giving birth in Ireland in 2016 were extracted from the national Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data system. Women with a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were identified using relevant ICD codes. Descriptive statistics were used to present prevalence, and Pearson’s Chi-square and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors and pregnancy outcomes. Differences between proportions were analysed by Pearson’s Chi-squared test of independence.Of 60,188 maternities reported for the year 2016, 5.9% of women (n = 3531) had a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and 4.6% (n = 2790) had pre-eclampsia. Rates were higher among women with pre-existing diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity and those aged ≥40 years. After adjusting for maternal age, pre-existing DM, GDM, obesity and tobacco use, obesity (AOR 4.3; 95% CI: 3.2–5.7; p < 0.001), pre-existing diabetes (AOR 3.5; 95% CI: 2.5–4-9; p < 0.001), gestational diabetes (AOR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3–1.8; p < 0.001) and being aged ≥40 years (AOR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3–1.7; p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with being diagnosed with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in the Republic of Ireland.In Ireland where maternal age at childbirth is increasing, the association of hypertension with advancing age will undoubtedly contribute to a greater prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their potential adverse outcomes for pregnant women and their babies. This retrospective study highlights the prevalence rates in Ireland while also identifying possible risk factors and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. They pinpoint the need for further research to look in more detail at risk factors and adverse outcomes for the 79% (n = 2790) of women presenting with pre-eclampsia among this large nationally representative sample of women.

Maternal Morbidity During Hospitalization for Delivery

To estimate nationally representative incidence rates of maternal morbidities and to examine if the incidence of maternal morbidity increased during a 4-year study period. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of women delivering in hospitals in Ireland between 2005 and 2008 using nationally representative hospital discharge data from the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry data set. Using singleton deliveries, we categorized International Classification of Diseases 10, Australian Modification diagnostic codes into 38 clinically relevant maternal morbidity groups and assessed the incidence of morbidities potentially affecting labor, delivery, and the puerperium. Significant trends in morbidity over the course of the study period were determined using Cochran-Armitage tests. Exclusive of cesarean delivery, approximately one in six women (17.2%) had a maternal morbidity diagnosed during Hospitalization. When cesarean delivery was included as an additional indicator of morbidity, more than one third (35.6%) had a maternal morbidity diagnosed. The percentage of women with either hemorrhage and genital tract trauma (6.5%) or pregnancy-induced conditions (6.4%) diagnosed were similar. Overall, 4.5% of women had nonacute or chronic conditions diagnosed, 1.6% had infections diagnosed, and 0.6% had acute medical conditions diagnosed. Between 2005 and 2008, rates significantly (P<.001) increased for postpartum hemorrhage, pelvic and perineal trauma, and gestational diabetes. Maternal morbidities in Ireland are common and changing, underscoring the benefits of continuous comprehensive examination of maternity care services for all women during childbirth to address treatment of morbidities and to potentially prevent new morbidities.

Frequency and risk factors associated with emergency medical readmissions in Galway University Hospitals

Unplanned readmissions of medical hospital patients have been increasing in recent years. We examined the frequency and associates of emergency medical readmissions to Galway University Hospitals (GUH). Readmissions during the calendar year 2006 were examined using hospital in-patient enquiry data. Associations with clinical and demographic factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. The medical emergency readmission rate to GUH, after correction for death during the index admission, was 19.5%. Age 65 years or more, male gender, length of stay more than 7 days and primary diagnoses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, myocardial infarction, alcohol-related disease and heart failure during the index admission were significantly associated with readmission in univariate and multivariate analyses. The medical emergency readmission rate in GUH is comparable to other acute hospitals in Ireland and Britain. Further evaluation is needed to estimate the proportion of readmissions that are potentially avoidable.

Impact of an acute medical admission unit on hospital mortality: a 5-year prospective study

To determine the impact of the introduction of an acute medical admission unit (AMAU) on all-cause hospital mortality in unselected patients undergoing acute medical admission to a teaching hospital. Analysis of data recorded in the hospital in-patient enquiry (HIPE) system relating to all emergency medical patients admitted to St James's Hospital (SJH), Dublin between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006. The reference year was 2002, during which patients were admitted to a variety of wards under the care of a named consultant physician. In 2003, two centrally located wards were re-configured to function as an AMAU, and all emergency medical patients were admitted to this unit following emergency department evaluation. Hospital mortality was obtained from a database of deaths occurring during this period and linked to HIPE data. Following the introduction of the AMAU process, all-cause hospital mortality decreased from 12.6% in 2002 to 7.0% in 2006 (P < 0.0001), representing a 44.4% relative reduction during the course of the 5-year observation period (P < 0.0001). The Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for all-cause mortality in 2006 compared with 2002 was 0.28 (0.23, 0.35). This effect was powerfully independent of other covariates, including Charlson co-morbidity and illness severity score (APACHE II), in binary logistic regression analysis and was observed across a wide cross-section of diagnostic groups. The introduction of an AMAU significantly improved all-cause hospital mortality in acute unselected medical patients. The delivery of Acute Medicine may be enhanced by structural reform with emphasis on focus and volume. Prospective studies validating similar models elsewhere should be explored.