Increase In Emergency Room Research Articles

Relationships between enabling services use and access to care among adults with cardiometabolic risk factors: findings from the 2014 National Health Center Patient Survey

BackgroundCommunity health centers (CHCs) provide comprehensive primary and preventive care to medically underserved, low-income, and racially/ethnically diverse populations. CHCs also offer enabling services, non-clinical assistance to reduce barriers to healthcare due to unmet social and material needs, to improve access to healthcare and reduce health disparities. For patients with modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, enabling services may provide additional support to improve disease management. However, little is known about the relationship between enabling services and healthcare accessibility and utilization among patients with cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodsThis study uses data from the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey to examine the relationship between enabling services use and delayed/foregone care, routine check-ups, and emergency room visits, among adult community health center patients in the United States with cardiometabolic risk factors (N = 2358). Outcomes of enabling services users were compared to nonusers using doubly robust propensity score matching methods and generalized linear regression models.ResultsOverall, enabling service users were 15.4 percentage points less likely to report delayed/foregone care and 29.4 percentage points more likely to report routine check-ups than nonusers. Enabling service users who lived in urban areas, younger and middle-aged adults, and those with two cardiometabolic risk factors were also less likely to report delayed/foregone care and/or more likely to report routine check-ups in comparison with nonusers. However, among adults with three or more cardiometabolic risk factors, enabling services use was associated with a 41.3 percentage point increase in emergency room visits and a 7.6 percentage point decrease in routine check-ups.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the value in utilizing enabling services to improve timeliness and receipt of care among CHC patients with heightened cardiometabolic risk. There is a need for targeting high-risk populations with additional enabling services to support management of multiple chronic conditions.

Organizational factors associated with practitioners’ support for treatment of opioid use disorder in the emergency department

BackgroundDespite the significant increase in emergency room visits for opioid overdose, only few emergency departments (ED) have implemented best practices to treat people with opioid use disorders (OUD). Some implementation gaps may be due to practitioner factors; such as support for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for OUD in the ED. In this study, we explore the relationship between inner setting characteristics of the EDs (e.g., leadership, readiness for change, organizational climate) and practitioner support for OUD treatment and attitudes towards people with OUD. MethodsWe surveyed 241 ED practitioners (e.g., physicians, nurses, social workers) at one of the largest EDs in the United States. We used analysis of variance and chi-square global tests to compare responses from ED practitioners in differing roles. We also conducted five multivariate logistic regressions to explore associations between ED inner setting characteristics and five antecedents of implementation; ED practitioner (1) supports MAT for OUD in the ED, (2) supports best practices to treat OUD, (3) has self-efficacy to treat OUD, (4) has stereotypes of people who use drugs, and (5) has optimism to treat people with OUD. ResultsWe found nurses were more likely than physicians to support MAT for OUD in the ED and delivering other best practices to treat OUD. At the same time, nurses had greater bias than physicians against working with patients suffering from OUD. We also found the ED’s climate for innovation and practitioners’ readiness for change were positively associated with support for MAT for OUD in the ED and using best practices to treat OUD. ConclusionsFindings suggest that professional roles and some ED inner setting factors play an important role in antecedents of implementation of OUD treatment in the ED. To prepare EDs to effectively respond to the current opioid overdose epidemic, it is critical to further understand the impact of these organizational factors on the implementation of evidence-based OUD treatment practices in the nation.

Impact of High Volume Energy Drink Consumption on Electrocardiographic and Blood Pressure Parameters: A Randomized Trial.

BackgroundEnergy drinks have been linked to an increase in emergency room visits and deaths. We aim to determine the impact of energy drinks on electrocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters in young healthy volunteers.Methods and ResultsA randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled, crossover study was conducted in healthy volunteers. Participants consumed 32 oz of either energy drink A, energy drink B, or placebo within 60 minutes on 3 study days with a 6‐day washout period in between. The primary end point of QTc interval and secondary end points of QT interval, PR interval, QRS duration, heart rate, and brachial and central blood pressures were measured at baseline, and every 30 minutes for 240 minutes. A repeated‐measures 2‐way analysis of variance was performed with the main effects of intervention, time, and an interaction of intervention and time. Thirty‐four participants were included (age 22.1±3.0 years). The interaction term of intervention and time was statistically significant for Bazett's corrected QT interval, Fridericia's corrected QT interval, QT, PR, QRS duration, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, central systolic blood pressure, and central diastolic blood pressure (all P<0.001). The maximum change from baseline in Bazett's corrected QT interval for drinks A, B, and placebo were +17.9±13.9, +19.6±15.8, and +11.9±11.1 ms, respectively (P=0.005 for ANOVA) (P=0.04 and <0.01, respectively compared with placebo). Peripheral and central systolic and diastolic blood pressure were statistically significantly different compared with placebo (all P<0.001).ConclusionEnergy drinks significantly prolong the QTc interval and raise blood pressure.Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03196908.

QTc prolongation with energy drinks comparable to moxifloxacin

Energy drinks have been linked to an increase in emergency room visits and death. Several studies have evaluated the QT/correct QT (QTc) interval changes post high volume energy drink consumption but report discordant data. We report a case of a 26 year old healthy female who voluntarily consumed 400 mg of moxifloxacin with 32 oz of a control drink (active-control), 32 oz of a caffeinated energy drink, 32 oz of a control drink (placebo-control) on 3 separate days. A standard 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed at approximately the same time of day on 3 separate occasions at baseline, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h post-consumption. The maximum post-dosing QTc in the moxifloxacin (QTc = 438), and 32 oz energy drink (QTc = 441) were higher than the placebo (QTc = 428). These results need to be replicated in larger studies using robust methodologies before considering labelling or public health implications.

Short-Term Associations between Air Pollution Concentrations and Respiratory Health—Comparing Primary Health Care Visits, Hospital Admissions, and Emergency Department Visits in a Multi-Municipality Study

Acute effects of air pollution on respiratory health have traditionally been investigated with data on inpatient admissions, emergency room visits, and mortality. In this study, we aim to describe the total acute effects of air pollution on health care use for respiratory symptoms (ICD10-J00-J99). This will be done by investigating primary health care (PHC) visits, inpatient admissions, and emergency room visits together in five municipalities in southern Sweden, using a case-crossover design. Between 2005 and 2010, there were 81,019 visits to primary health care, 38,217 emergency room visits, and 25,271 inpatient admissions for respiratory symptoms in the study area. There was a 1.85% increase (95% CI: 0.52 to 3.20) in the number of primary health care visits associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in Malmö, but not in the other municipalities. Air pollution levels were generally not associated with emergency room visits or inpatient admissions, with one exception (in Helsingborg there was a 2.52% increase in emergency room visits for respiratory symptoms associated with a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM10). In conclusion, the results give weak support for short-term effects of air pollution on health care use associated with respiratory health symptoms in the study area.

Predictors of Increase in Emergency Room (ER) Visits and Hospitalizations in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Treated with Chemotherapy

Background: Acute care interventions negatively impact patients' quality of life and represent one of the major cost drivers in oncology care. Understanding the predictors for increased healthcare resource utilization is essential for better management of patients with CLL. This study evaluated predictors for ER visits and hospitalizations in patients with CLL treated with chemotherapy.Methods: Using claims data (MORE2 Registry®), patients receiving chemotherapy for CLL were retrospectively identified by ICD-9 codes (204.1X) during a 48-month period (August 2009-2013). Patients with secondary malignancies, pregnancy codes, and age <18 were excluded. Univariate regression analysis was conducted to determine covariates associated with an increase in ER visits and hospitalizations. Results for significant variables were reported as odds ratio/p-value. Odds ratio >1 indicates increase in chance of event.Results: A total of 2,013 patients with CLL were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 72 years, 61% were male, 34% were treated in the relapsed setting, 42% had ER visits, and 39% were hospitalized throughout their treatment history. Significant increases in ER visits and hospitalizations were associated with the following variables (OR/p-value): age (ER: 1.015/.001, hospitalization: 1.001/.038), Charlson comorbidity index (ER: 1.253/.013, hospitalization: 1.038/.018), supportive care use (ER: 2.087/<.001, hospitalization: 2.429/<.001), number of CLL related adverse events (ER: 12.311/<.001, hospitalization: 29.467/<.001), chemotherapy duration (ER: 1.001/<.001, hospitalization: 1.001/<.001), bendamustine use (ER: 1.404/.001, hospitalization: 1.381/.002), fludarabine use (ER: 1.405/<.001, hospitalization: 1.395/.001), Northeast region of the United States (ER: 1.293/.008, hospitalization: 1.321/.005), and treatment following relapse (ER: 3.413/<.001, hospitalization: 4.018/<.001). Significant covariates associated with a decrease in hospitalizations or ER visits were not found.Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated that patient demographic and clinical characteristics as well as chemotherapy choice were associated with ER visits and hospitalizations in patients with CLL. ER visits and hospitalizations have similar drivers. These data warrant consideration of age and comorbidity-adjusted treatment choice in CLL patients who need active treatment with antineoplastics. DisclosuresFeinberg:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy. Schenkel:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Employment. McBride:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy. Ellis:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Employment. Bhor:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy. Radtchenko:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy. Lal:Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC: Consultancy.

Are "Bath Salts" on Your Differential List? A Case Report of Delirium and Agitation After Use of Illicit Bath Salts

Are "Bath Salts" on Your Differential List? A Case Report of Delirium and Agitation After Use of Illicit Bath Salts

Caracterización epidemiológica y clínica de la infección por influenza A (H1N1) 2009 en San Felipe, Región de Valparaíso, Chile: Junio a agosto 2009

In order to understand the clinical and epidemiological aspects of infection with the AH1N1 influenza virus in Chile, a prospective study in the city of San Felipe was undertaken. It analyses the trends in consultations for respiratory causes in three primary care centers and hospital discharges by comparing data from years 2008 and 2009 until epidemiological week 37.It also includes a study of cases of ILI / SARI (influenza like disease/severe acute respiratory disease) in which viruses were detected by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of nasopharyngeal aspirates and by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the case of influenza A (H1N1) 2009. A household survey was conducted in those cases with confirmed A (H1N1) infection, to identify contacts and history related to influenza virus transmission. The results indicate that the behavior of the pandemic was similar to that observed in the rest of the country, with an increase in emergency room visits for ILI. The most affected age group was from 5 to 14 years (26.5 per thousand inhabitants) and the least affected 60 years or older (1.2 per thousand). A 2.78% of the cases corresponded to SARI and the fatality rate was 0.11%.

Evidence Based Practice: Decreasing Psychiatric Revisits to the Emergency Department

Inpatient psychiatric settings anticipate changes in reimbursement that will link payment rates to objective quality measures. Readmission rates are expected to be one of the quality measures. Inpatient areas are undertaking initiatives to decrease readmission rates in preparation for this change. The emphasis on avoiding readmission could cause an increase in emergency room revisit rates by psychiatric patients. In preparation for this potential impact, the mental health emergency service within the Emergency Department of a not-for-profit community based hospital implemented a proactive process improvement plan. The plan's goal was to insure that all patients’ care was provided according to a defined standardize best practice process. Steps of the plan focused on (1) improving treatment providers’ communications across the continuum of care, (2) enhancing communication between the mental health emergency department nurses and the on-call psychiatrists, (3) developing on-line decisional support to enhance communication, and (4) providing providers with feedback on the impact of changes. Implementation of the improvement process decreased the mean psychiatric emergency revisit rate from 5.7% to 4.3% and decreased the variability in monthly rates from a range of 1.83%–9.53% to a range of 3.53%–5.56%.

Status asthmaticus in the medical intensive care unit: A 30-year experience

To investigate the characteristics, trends in management (permissive hypercapnia; mechanical ventilation (MV); neuromuscular blockade) and their impact on complications and outcomes in Status Asthmaticus (SA). We performed a retrospective observational study of subjects admitted with SA to a single multidisciplinary MICU over a 30-year period. All laboratory, radiologic, respiratory care, physician notes and orders were extracted from an electronic medical record (EMR) maintained during the entire duration of the study. Two hundred and twenty-seven subjects were admitted with 280 episodes of SA. While subjects reflected our regional population (52% Hispanic), African Americans were over-represented (22%) and Caucasians under-represented (21%). Thirty-eight percent reported childhood asthma, 27% were steroid dependent (10% in the last 10 years), and 18% had a recent steroid taper. One hundred and thirty-nine (61.2%) required intubation. The duration of hospitalization was similar between mechanically ventilated and non-ventilated subjects (5.8±4.41 vs. 6.8±7.22 days; p=0.07). The overall complication rate remained low irrespective of the use of permissive hypercapnia or mode of mechanical ventilation (overall mortality 0.4%; pneumothorax 2.5%; pneumonia 2.9%). The frequency of SA declined significantly in the last 10 years of the study (12.4 vs. 3.2 cases/year). Despite the frequent use of mechanical ventilation, mortality/complication rates remained extremely low. MV did not significantly increase the duration of hospitalization. At our institution, the frequency of SA significantly decreased despite an increase in emergency room visits for asthma.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs—Lack of Effectiveness or a Call to Action?

Prescription opioid pain relievers play an essential role in improving the quality of life for millions of Americans each year. However, over the last decade, the legitimate use as well as the misuse and abuse of prescription opioids have increased dramatically. From 1997 to 2007, the milligram per person use of prescription opioids in the United States increased from 74 mg to 369 mg per person, an increase of 402% [1]. In addition, the health and economic consequences of opioid abuse are exacting a significant toll—with over five million Americans, 12 years of age and older, reporting nonmedical use of prescription opioids in 2009 [2]. From 2004 to 2008, there was a 111% increase in emergency room visits for misuse or abuse of prescription opioids [3], and this was paralleled with a fourfold increase in treatment admissions for abuse of opioids over the last decade [4]. Most alarming is a nearly 300% increase in opioid-related deaths between 1999 and 2007 [5]. Prescription drug abuse is a public health epidemic, and comprehensive policies must be developed to minimize abuse while ensuring legitimate access to these medications. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are a promising tool to assist health care providers in clinical decision-making and to identify patients who may be misusing or abusing prescription drugs. Although studies have shown that PDMPs shorten investigation times [6] and reduce the supply of certain Schedule II controlled …

Impact of a Celebrity Death on Children’s Injury-related Emergency Room Visits

Objectives: To determine whether a sharp increase in Emergency Room (ER) visits at the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) during the week following the death of Natasha Richardson from a skiing-related head injury was a) statistically significant and b) related to media coverage of the event. We postulated that there would be less coverage in the French media and in centres west of Quebec. Methods: We compared the number of visits to the MCH ER for 10 weeks beginning March 5 and recorded the number for head-related injuries. These data were also compared with averages for the MCH for the same weeks in the previous 16 years; with visit figures from Hopital Ste-Justine (HSJ); and with those from 3 other pediatric hospitals in provinces west of Quebec for the same period. Results: We found a 60% increase in injury visits to the MCH ER compared to the baseline week (p<0.001) and a 66% difference when compared with the 16-year average. HSJ also recorded a sharp increase during the study week but the rise did not persist. Smaller increases were recorded in the more western children’s hospitals. At the MCH nearly half of the visits were for head injuries, but there was no change in the number judged to be severe. Conclusions: These data suggest that the media coverage of this celebrity death may have generated anxiety among parents, prompting those who might not otherwise have sought medical care to bring their children to the ER. Key words: Mass media; famous persons; wounds and injuries/ep [Epidemiology]; emergency service; hospital/sn [Statistics & Numerical Data]

Anhedonia After a Selective Bilateral Lesion of the Globus Pallidus

Anhedonia After a Selective Bilateral Lesion of the Globus Pallidus

Trampoline injuries.

As the popularity of trampolines has increased during the past 10 years, so has the number of injuries sustained using them. Whether there is an actual increase in the risk associated with the use of a trampoline for the same number of exposure hours is not known. The marked increase in emergency room visits related to trampoline injuries might reflect only the increased number of trampolines now available for recreational use or the creative manner in which they are being used. The complex factors related to trampolines, their use, and the possible injuries will be discussed. A liberal use of Internet references will be used because this is where much of the advertising and information available to the public regarding trampolines currently is disseminated.

Preventing asthma epidemics due to soybeans by dust-control measures.

The inhalation of soybean dust released during the unloading of soybeans into a silo caused outbreaks of asthma in Barcelona, Spain. This study was designed to determine morbidity due to asthma and serum IgE reactivity before and after the installation of filters in the silo. We measured soybean-allergen concentrations in 136 samples of air collected for 9 months before and 24 months after the installation of filters. We compared the number of days on which there was an unexpected increase in emergency room visits for asthma, the number of days on which the number of emergency room visits for asthma in one four-hour period was so high that it was unlikely to be due to chance, and the mean daily number of emergency room and intensive care unit admissions for asthma for a total of 60 months before and after filter installation. Serum IgE antibodies against soybean allergens were measured in 38 patients before and after filter installation. The concentration of airborne soybean allergens on days when soybeans were unloaded decreased from 324 to 25 U per cubic meter after the installation of filters (P < 0.001). The number of days on which there was an unusually large number of visits to the hospital for asthma and the number of days on which asthma was epidemic both decreased significantly (both P < 0.001), from 29 to 6 and from 18 to 0, respectively. The mean daily number of emergency room and intensive care unit admissions for asthma on days when soybeans were unloaded decreased from 8.3 to 5.4 and from 0.26 to 0.01, respectively (both P < 0.001). The mean serum IgE antibody concentrations in the 38 patients studied decreased from 2 Pharmacia reference units per milliliter to 1 (P < 0.001). Installing filters on silos to prevent airborne dissemination of allergenic soybean dust eliminates outbreaks of asthma caused by inhalation of the dust, thus supporting the idea that the avoidance of allergens helps prevent asthma.