Type Of Referral Research Articles

Patterns of MMPI-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) validity scale scores observed across Veteran Affairs settings.

The purpose of this investigation is to provide descriptive information on veteran response styles for a variety of VA referral types using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF), which has well-supported protocol validity scales. The sample included 17,640 veterans who were administered the MMPI-2-RF between when it was introduced to the VA system in 2013 until May 31, 2015 at any VA in the United States. This study examines frequencies of protocol invalidity based on the MMPI-2-RF's validity scales and provides comprehensive descriptive findings on validity scale scores within the VA. Three distinct trends can be seen. First, a majority of the sample did not elevate any of the validity scales beyond their recommended interpretive cut-scores, indicating that scores on the substantive scales would be deemed valid and interpretable in those cases. Second, elevation rates are higher for the overreporting scales in comparison to the underreporting and non-content-based invalid responding scales. Lastly, a majority of those with an elevation on one overreporting validity indicator also had an elevation on at least one other overreporting scale. Implications for practice and the utility of the MMPI-2-RF within the VA are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of COVID-19 on cancer diagnosis and management in Slovenia - preliminary results.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision and use of healthcare services throughout the world. In Slovenia, an epidemic was officially declared between mid-March and mid-May 2020. Although all non-essential health care services were put on hold by government decree, oncological services were listed as an exception. Nevertheless, as cancer control depends also on other health services and additionally major changes in people’s behaviour likely occurred, we aimed to analyse whether cancer diagnosis and management were affected during the COVID-19 epidemic in Slovenia.MethodsWe analysed routine data for the period November 2019 through May 2020 from three sources: (1) from the Slovenian Cancer Registry we analysed data on pathohistological and clinical practice cancer notifications from two major cancer centres in Ljubljana and Maribor; (2) from the e-referral system we analysed data on all referrals in Slovenia issued for oncological services, stratified by type of referral; and (3) from the administrative data of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana we analysed data on outpatient visits by type as well as on diagnostic imaging performed.ResultsCompared to the November 2019 – February 2020 average, the decrease in April 2020 was about 43% and 29% for pathohistological and clinical cancer notifications; 33%, 46% and 85% for first, control and genetic counselling referrals; 19% (53%), 43% (72%) and 20% (21%) for first (and control) outpatient visits at the radiotherapy, surgery and medical oncology sectors at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, and 48%, 76%, and 42% for X-rays, mammograms and ultrasounds performed at the Institute, respectively. The number of CT and MRI scans performed was not affected.ConclusionsSignificant drops in first referrals for oncological services, first visits and imaging studies performed at the Institute, as well as cancer notifications in April 2020 point to a possibility of a delayed cancer diagnosis for some patients during the first surge of SARS-CoV-2 cases in Slovenia. The reasons for the delay cannot be ascertained with certainty and could be linked to health-seeking behaviour of the patients, the beliefs and practices of doctors and/ or the health system management during the epidemic. Drops in control referrals and control visits were expected and are most likely due to the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana postponing non-essential follow-ups through May 2020.

Impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on the workload of the orthopaedic service in a busy UK district general hospital

IntroductionThe COVID -19 outbreak has had a profound effect on the management of healthcare service provision in the UK. Orthopaedic departments have been no exception to this and have needed to adapt to the changing circumstances by releasing resources and focusing on ‘essential’ activity. The aim of this study is to quantify the reduction in trauma and, in addition, describe any changes in the type of referrals to the trust which may have been affected by the pandemic itself and the social distancing measures employed by the UK government. Methods: The study was performed in a UK District Hospital which is also a Trauma Unit providing trauma and orthopaedic care to a population of 625,000 people.The trust based electronic database of trauma referrals was used to compare the numbers of, and types of referral to our trauma service during the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding time periods in the previous 3 years. ResultsThe mean number of referrals per week to the service reduced by 33% in the time period following the confirmation of the outbreak as a pandemic (p<0.0001). Number of operations performed per week reduced by 26% (p = 0.001). There was no change in the number of referrals relating to domestic abuse or non-accidental injury. In addition, numbers of hip fractures, periprosthetic fractures and prosthetic joint dislocations were unchanged. There was a significant reduction in the number of referrals for simple fractures, native joint dislocations, wounds and soft tissue injuries. Within the paediatric population, similarly, a reduction in simple fracture referrals was demonstrated. DiscussionAn association between the outbreak of the pandemic and a reduction in referral numbers to our department has been demonstrated. The direct cause of this may be multifactorial but proposing that it is, in part, due to the social distancing measures introduced by the government is certainly conceivable. The patterns of injury would reflect this also with low energy and fragility trauma persisting whilst injuries associated with younger people have reduced. We would suggest that information such as this could be useful in healthcare planning and resource allocation in future pandemic situations.

An analysis of waiting times in patients with thyroid cancer

BackgroundScottish guidelines suggest that following a referral with a suspicion of cancer, patients should have a diagnosis within 31 days and commence treatment within 62 days. Thyroid cancer is not included in these targets. This study investigates the timelines of management of thyroid cancer, looking at factors that affect time to treatment and diagnosis in our network. MethodsThe study was a review of a prospectively held database of patients discussed at MDT meetings between January 2016 and September 2018. Of the 153 potentially suitable thyroid cancer patients in NHS Lothian, 62 were eligible for inclusion in the study, having been referred to secondary care by their general practitioner (GP) and diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). ResultsAt present only 10% and 16% of patients would meet the 62-day treatment and 31-day diagnosis targets respectively. The time to both diagnosis (p=<0.0005) and treatment (p = 0.022) is significantly improved in patients that have a diagnostic biopsy or FNA (Thy5) or a highly suggestive FNA (Thy4), compared with those that do not. There is no significant effect of GP referral type on time to diagnosis or management of thyroid cancer. With a median follow-up of 33 weeks, only one patient had died. ConclusionsThyroid cancer does not fit the classical cancer targets well. It is a relatively indolent form of cancer, with many cases diagnosed either incidentally or after undergoing treatment. It is important to balance the resource implications of providing rapid treatment with the psychological effects of the diagnosis.

Automatic Referral for Potential Thoracic Malignant Diseases Detected on Computed Tomographic Scan

Delays in care negatively affect patients with potentially resectable thoracic malignant diseases. The Alberta Thoracic Oncology Program established an automatic referral process for patients with chest computed tomographic (CT) scans suggestive of malignant disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether automatic referral was associated with decreased time to referral or differences in the quality of referral information received. A single-center retrospective review of patients referred to a Canadian tertiary thoracic surgical center was performed. The time between the CT scan and the date of referral was calculated, and the type of information provided with the referral was tabulated. Automatic and traditional referral groups were compared using the Student t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariable analysis. A total of 689 patients met inclusion criteria, and 405 of these patients were automatic referrals. Average time to referral was shorter in the automatic referral group (4.7 days vs 23.6 days; P < .001). Only 2automatic referrals took longer than 30 days, compared with more than 25% of traditional referrals. Automatic referrals were always associated with a shorter time for referral on subgroup analysis of lungnodules, different referring physician types, and patient location. There was no difference between referral types in the number of referral data provided to the center. Automatic referrals for patients with potential thoracic malignant disease have a significant beneficial impact on delays in care, and this could result in improved outcomes, such as decreased upstaging and improved survival. This was not associated with a decrease in the amount of information provided with the referral. Thus, automatic referrals may streamline patient care without compromising quality.

The experience and outcomes of a specialised preterm birth clinic in New Zealand.

A greater understanding of the risk factors for spontaneous preterm birth and the importance of risk stratification to guide interventions has led to the introduction of preterm birth prevention clinics. To evaluate the experience and outcomes of the first specialised preterm birth clinic in New Zealand. This observational study reviewed pregnancies cared for in a preterm birth clinic from 2013 to 2018. Cases were identified and data collected from a maternity database and electronic medical records. Analysis was by referral type. A total of 423 cases were included; 309 elective and 22 acute referrals in pregnancy, and 92 consultations outside pregnancy. For those referred electively in pregnancy, 138/309 (44.7%) fulfilled multiple referral criteria, and 57/309 (18.4%) had ≥2 previous spontaneous preterm births or second trimester losses. Excluding five pregnancies with first trimester miscarriage, 77/304 (25.3%) were managed with a history-indicated cerclage (11 placed pre-conception) and 217/304 (71.4%) had cervical surveillance as primary management, of which 133 (61.3%) did not require treatment. The remaining had treatment for a short cervix; 37 (17.0%) received an ultrasound-indicated cerclage only, 21 (9.7%) vaginal progesterone only and 26 (12.0%) both. Five women (1.6%) had a second trimester loss at 13+0 -19+6 and 58/297 (19.5%) had a spontaneous preterm birth at 20+0 -36+6 weeks. The 'take home baby' rate was 95.4%. Pregnancy outcomes were similar to those reported by other preterm birth prevention clinics. The majority of women who received cervical surveillance as primary management were able to avoid additional treatment.

Characterizing Avoidable Transfer Admissions in Infants Hospitalized for Bronchiolitis.

The appropriateness of interfacility transfer admissions for bronchiolitis to pediatric centers is uncertain. We characterized avoidable transfer admissions for bronchiolitis. We hypothesized that a higher proportion of hospitalized infants transferred from a community emergency department (ED) or hospital (transfer admission) would be discharged within 48 hours with little or no intervention, compared with direct admissions from an enrolling ED (nontransfer admission). We analyzed a 17-center, prospective infant cohort (age <1 year) hospitalized for bronchiolitis (2011-2014). An avoidable transfer admission (primary outcome) was hospitalization for <48 hours without an intervention for severe illness in which a pediatric specialist could be beneficial (oxygen, advanced airway management, life support). Parenteral fluids and routine medications were excluded. We compared admissions by patient, ED, inpatient, and transferring hospital characteristics to identify factors associated with avoidable transfer admissions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of avoidable transfer admission. Among 1007 infants, 558 (55%) were nontransfer admissions, 164 (16%) were transfer admissions, and 204 (20%) were referrals from clinics; 81 (8%) were missing referral type. Significantly fewer transferred infants were hospitalized for <48 hours with little or no intervention (40 of 164; 24% [95% confidence interval 18%-32%]) than nontransferred infants (199 of 558; 36% [95% confidence interval 32%-40%]; P = .007). Avoidable transfer admissions were more likely to be children of color, have nonprivate insurance, receive fewer ED interventions, and originate from small EDs. A multivariable model revealed that minority race and/or ethnicity, normal oxygenation, and small ED transfers increased odds of avoidable transfer admission. Although most transferred infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis required interventions for severe illness, 1 in 4 admissions were potentially avoidable.

The likelihood of requiring a diagnostic test: Classifying emergency department patients with logistic regression.

Emergency departments (EDs) play an important role in health systems since they are the front line for patients with emergency medical conditions who frequently require diagnostic tests and timely treatment. To improve decision-making and accelerate processes in EDs, this study proposes predictive models for classifying patients according to whether or not they are likely to require a diagnostic test based on referral diagnosis, age, gender, triage category and type of arrival. Retrospective data were categorised into four output patient groups: not requiring any diagnostic test (group A); requiring a radiology test (group B); requiring a laboratory test (group C); requiring both tests (group D). Multivariable logistic regression models were used, with the outcome classifications represented as a series of binary variables: test (1) or no test (0); in the case of group A, no test (1) or test (0). For all models, age, triage category, type of arrival and referral diagnosis were significant predictors whereas gender was not. The main referral diagnosis with high model coefficients varied by designed output groups (groups A, B, C and D). The overall accuracies of the logistic regression models for groups A, B, C and D were, respectively, 74.11%, 73.07%, 82.47% and 85.79%. Specificity metrics were higher than the sensitivities for groups B, C and D, meaning that these models were better able to predict negative outcomes. These results provide guidance for ED triage staff, researchers and practitioners in making rapid decisions regarding patients' diagnostic test requirements based on specified variables in the predictive models. This is critical in ED operations planning as it potentially decreases waiting times, while increasing patient satisfaction and operational performance.

Referral patterns of children with glaucoma and their caretakers in Northern Tanzania.

To describe the referral patterns of children with primary childhood glaucoma (PCG) or secondary childhood glaucoma (SCG) and their presenting symptoms in Northern Tanzania. A retrospective observational study of children <17y with PCG or SCG who were referred to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) Eye Department between 2000 and 2013 was conducted. Presenting symptoms, age at presentation, place of origin, distance to hospital, type of glaucoma, visual acuity, optic disc appearance (vertical cup-to-disc ratio) and type of referral were described. Seventy patients with PCG and 27 patients with SCG were included in the study. Median age at first presentation was 1y in the PCG group (range 0-16y) and 9y in the SCG group (range 1-15y). In both groups around 87% of the children presented already with low vision (logMAR>0.48, better eye). Most of the children (60%) and their caretakers presented on their own initiative, while 24% were sent by different general health cadres and 16% by eye care professionals. Buphthalmos was the main symptom mentioned as a trigger for presentation. The study shows that most of the children presented late resulting in advanced stages of glaucoma at the time of initiation of treatment. The majority attended the referral eye department on their own initiative with buphthalmos being the most commonly described symptom. Awareness creation among caretakers of children, general health and eye care providers, ideally embedded in general child health promotion activities, is needed to increase and accelerate referrals.

Improvement of the Efficiency and Completeness of Neuro-Oncology Patient Referrals to a Tertiary Center Through the Implementation of an Electronic Referral System: Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundQuality referrals to specialist care are key for prompt, optimal decisions about the management of patients with brain tumors.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the impact of introducing a Web-based, electronic referral (eReferral) system to a specialized neuro-oncology center, using a service-developed proforma, in terms of waiting times and information completeness.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective cohort study based on the review of medical records of referred adult patients, excluding follow-ups. Primary outcome measures were durations of three key phases within the referral pathway and completion rates of six referral fields.ResultsA total of 248 patients were referred to the specialist center during the study period. Median (IQR) diagnostic imaging to referral intervals were 3 (1-5) days with eReferrals, and 9 (4-19), 19 (14-49), and 8 (4-23) days with paper proforma, paper letter, and internal referrals, respectively (P<.001). Median (IQR) referral to multidisciplinary team decision intervals were 3 (2-7), 2 (1-3), 8 (2-24), and 3 (2-6) days respectively (P=.01). For patients having surgery, median (IQR) diagnostic imaging to surgery intervals were 28 (21-41), 34 (27-51), 104 (69-143), and 32 (15-89) days, respectively (P<.001). Proportions of complete fields differed significantly by referral type in all study fields (all with Ps <.001) except for details of presentation, which were present in all referrals. All study fields were always present in eReferrals, as these are compulsory for referral submission. Depending on the data field, level of completeness in the remaining referral types ranged within 69% (65/94) to 87% (82/94), 15% (3/20) to 65% (13/20), and 22% (8/41) to 63% (26/41) in paper proforma, paper letter, and internal referrals, respectively.ConclusionsAn electronic, Web-based, service-developed specific proforma for neuro-oncology referrals performs significantly better, with shorter waiting times and greater completeness of information than other referral types. A wider application of eReferrals is an important first step to streamlining specialist care pathways and providing excellent care.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/10.2196/15002

Outcomes of Depression Screening for Adolescents Accessing Pediatric Primary Care-Based Services

PurposeAssess outcomes of depression screening among adolescents accessing pediatric primary care-based services. These findings will contribute to development of clinical protocols for depression screening and intervention in primary care settings. Design and methodsRetrospective chart review conducted via electronic medical records at a pediatric primary care-based clinic to extract PHQ-9 data for adolescents screened from 1/17/2018 to 4/18/2018. De-identified data included age, gender, ethnicity, provider, PHQ-9, and referral/follow-up/medication status. ResultsData included 1213 adolescents of whom N = 600 were depressed without additional comorbidities; 96 adolescents had PHQ-9 scores >5. Descriptive analyses by age, gender, ethnicity, referral type, follow-up, and provider services identified targeted primary care-based interventions for depression and referral. Depression screening occurred primarily at well child visits. 82.5% of those with PHQ-9 scores >5 were not currently receiving treatment. Overall, referrals by physicians (45.8%) and nurse practitioners (42.9%) were equivalent with more referrals for adolescents with moderate-severe depression. Nurse practitioners provided more counseling than physicians among adolescents with mild to moderate depression. ConclusionsAdolescent mental health necessitates an enhanced continuum of care. Primary care-based interventions provided by pediatric nurse practitioners are imperative to address adolescent mental health needs. Findings provide practical means to incorporate protocols for depression enhancing primary care-based mental health access. Practice implicationsNeed for incorporation of practical modalities for depression assessment and follow up as recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics. Future study for comparison of methods (phone/text reminder, follow up appointment, online resource reminder, telehealth), indicated to enhance follow-up care for adolescents experiencing depression.

Sex-specific Outcomes in a Substance Use Intervention Program

PurposeWe performed an emergency department (ED)–based substance use screening, motivational interview–based intervention, and treatment referral program with the goal of determining sex-specific outcomes. Specifically, in this quality improvement project, we aimed to determine whether there was a difference among sexes in the type of substances used; the frequency of positive screening results for substance use disorder; agreeing to an intervention; the type of follow-up evaluation, participation, and referral; and attempts to change substance use after intervention. MethodsWe prospectively studied a convenience sample of patients at 3 hospitals in Northeastern Pennsylvania from May 2017 through February 2018. Inclusion criteria for participation in this study were age ≥18 years; ability to answer survey questions; willingness and ability (not being too ill) to participate in intervention(s); and when screened, admitting to use of alcohol, tobacco, potentially addictive prescription drugs, or street drugs. Practitioners in the ED screened patients. For those with unhealthy substance use, a brief motivational interview was performed. Participants were each given referrals and information in accordance with the particular substance used and their assessed readiness to change. Individuals who completed the intervention were contacted by telephone for follow-up. Self-reported outcomes and the frequency of successful warm hand-off referrals were assessed. FindingsOf the 2209 individuals screened, 976 (44.2%) were male. Overall, 547 patients screened positive for at least 1 of the unhealthy substances for a prevalence of 24.8% (95% confidence interval, 22.9%–26.6%). In this population, a greater proportion of men screened positive than women (30.5% vs 20.2%, P = 0.01). Although the finding was not statistically significant, men (106 [35.6%]) were more likely than women (81 [32.5%]) to agree to an ED intervention. At telephone follow-up, men were more likely to report participating in a treatment or support program than women (32.9% vs 18.2%, P = 0.035). Frequencies of warm hand-off referrals were 11 of 106 (10.4%) for men and 2 of 81 (2.5%) for women. ImplicationsOur small study found that unhealthy substance use rates were greater overall in men than women. Overall participation differences between men and women who agreed to take part in substance intervention and accepted a referral for follow-up treatment were not statistically significant. At telephone follow-up, more men reported participating in a treatment program than women. Direct referral (warm hand-off) rates to treatment programs were small in both sexes but greater in men than women.

Referral Demand of Patients in Pantai Cermin Public Health Center Langkat

In 2017, the number of referrals issued by Pantai Cermin health center to Langkat District Hospital was 17.7% and the highest number in Langkat District. Referral cases more than 10% will increase hospital burden. This study aims to describe of referral cases at Pantai Cermin Health Center, Langkat. Aspect of referral type given 5 informants asked for referral to an internist, 2 informants asked for obstetricians, and one informant asked for referral to opthalmologist. Regarding who provided the referral, 6 informants stated that the referral was given by the doctor, and 2 informants stated that the referral was given by the midwife. In addition, the reason why the referral was given, 7 informants stated that the referral was given because the informant asked to be referred, and 1 informant stated that the referral was given because the equipment was not available at the public health center. Based on the results, it is recommended to pantai cermin health center to providing referral services in accordance with the applicable regulations and regularly monitoring of implementation of referrals system, and socialize to the community that referrals should be given according to the patient's medical need.

Child characteristics and early intervention referral and receipt of services: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundEarly Intervention (EI) is a federally mandated, state-administered system of care for children with developmental delays and disabilities under the age of three. Gaps exist in the process of accessing EI through pediatric primary care, and low rates of EI access are well documented and disproportionately affect poor and minority children. The aims of this paper are to examine child characteristics associated with gaps in EI (1) referral, (2) access and (3) service use. To our knowledge, this is the first study to leverage linked safety net health system pediatric primary care and EI records data to follow EI-referred children longitudinally to understand EI service use gaps from EI referral to EI service utilization.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort design (14,710 children with developmental disability or delay), we linked pediatric primary care records between a large, integrated safety net health system in metro Denver and its corresponding EI program (2014–2016). Using adjusted marginal effects [ME, (95% CI)], we estimated gaps in EI referral, access, and service type (i.e., physical [PT], occupational [OT], speech therapy [ST] and developmental intervention [DI]). Analyses accounted for child characteristics including socio-demographics, diagnosis, condition severity, and baseline function.ResultsOnly 18.7% of EI-eligible children (N = 2726) received a referral; 26% of those (N = 722) received services for a net enrollment rate of 5% among EI-eligible children. Having the most severe developmental condition was positively associated with EI referral [ME = 0.334 [0.249, 0.420]) and Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) receipt [ME = 0.156 [0.088, 0.223]). Children less likely to be EI-referred were Black, non-Hispanic (BNH) [ME = -0.029 (− 0.054, − 0.004)] and had a diagnosed condition ([ME = − 0.046 (− 0.087, − 0.005)]. Children with a diagnosis and those with higher income were more likely to receive PT or OT. Higher baseline cognitive and adaptive skills were associated with lower likelihood of PT [ME = -0.029 (− 0.054, − 0.004)], OT [ME = -0.029 (− 0.054, − 0.004)], and ST [ME = -0.029 (− 0.054, − 0.004)].ConclusionsWe identified and characterized gaps in EI referral, access, and service use in an urban safety-net population of children with high rates of developmental delay. Interventions are needed to improve integrated systems of care affecting primary care and EI processes and coordination.

Design of Web-Based Planned Referral Information System from Public Health Centers to Hospital

The aim of the study was to create a web-based planned referral system (SIJUNA) to help manage referral services from public health centers to hospitals so that there was no reason for patients not to be served because the human resources and facilities needed were not available. This study uses action research with a qualitative approach and the system development stage using the FAST method. The system is tested using black box testing. The results of this study are the establishment SIJUNA that facilitates the referral process of patients from the Public Health Center to the Hospital. With the existence of SIJUNA, the operational needs of services are good with the types of outpatient referrals, inpatient care, and emergencies can be fulfilled by increasing accessibility such as certainty of service time with competence and the closest radius of the patient's location, equalizing and increasing the effectiveness of health services, nearest health who has competencies according to patient needs.

Perception of surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea among sleep medicine physicians: A cross-sectional study.

Background:Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder associated with significant morbidities and mortality if untreated. Continuous positive airway pressure is the gold standard treatment for OSA, but poor adherence significantly limits its use. However, there is evidence to support the effectiveness of surgical treatments for OSA.Objectives:This study aimed to assess the experience of sleep physicians in Saudi Arabia in treating OSA using surgical options.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study featured an electronic survey that was sent to all sleep physicians across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January 2018 and March 2018. The questionnaire contained questions on the demographics of the physicians and the types of surgical referral for patients with OSA.Results:Twenty-six physicians completed the questionnaire. More than two-thirds of the physicians preferred to refer their patients to otolaryngologists (69.23%), while the remainder preferred to refer their patients to oral and maxillofacial surgeons (23.07%). More than half of the physicians indicated that maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) was the most effective surgical procedure (53.8%), followed by adenotonsillectomy (19.2%), then uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) (11.5%). Four physicians (15.4%) chose “none” as the best answer. More participants indicated that the benefits outweighed the risks for MMA (53.84%) than for UPPP (19.23%).Conclusion:Based on the opinions of sleep physicians in Saudi Arabia, MMA is the best surgical option for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA. Otolaryngologists are the preferred surgeons because they are more available than oral and maxillofacial surgeons physicians, who are scarce in Saudi Arabia.

Pharmacist helps patient with bipolar disorder get her life back on track

Pharmacist helps patient with bipolar disorder get her life back on track

An Integrated Kidney Care eConsult Practice Model: Results from the iKinect Project

Background: Collaborative management of kidney disease relies on coordinated and effective partnerships between multiple provider teams. Siloed care contributes to limited access between physicians, resulting in delays in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease and inappropriate use of healthcare resources. These gaps contribute to dissatisfied and disempowered providers and patients. Digital systems such as eConsult can support collaborative management and address these gaps, thereby streamlining the consultation and referral process between primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists. In this study, we evaluated an established eConsult platform integrated with a central triage process for a network of PCPs and nephrologists. The study aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and impact on access to nephrology when using eConsult integrated into the management of kidney disease between PCPs and nephrologists. Methods: We conducted a 1-year pilot study and used mixed methods to measure the acceptability and feasibility of using eConsult for the management of kidney disease. We compared eConsult and traditional referrals with respect to types of consultation, referrals, and times to response to determine impact on access to kidney care. We conducted semi-structured interviews of PCPs and nephrologists to assess physician experience. Results: From January 8, 2018, to January 11, 2019, 52 PCPs and 23 nephrologists participated in the study, with 250 traditional referrals and 106 eConsults submitted during that period. The median response time for eConsult was 15 (3–64) h, with 25% originating outside the central Toronto region. The median time to first clinic appointment from a traditional referral was 4 months (111 [61–163] days). PCP and nephrologist interviews revealed high user satisfaction, citing efficiency and timely response as key facilitators. Conclusion: The eConsult platform was acceptable, feasible, and facilitated access to nephrology care compared to traditional referrals. Physicians report improvements in physician care delivery, nephrology care gaps, patient experience, and healthcare utilization.

Admission and discharge criteria for adolescents requiring inpatient or residential mental health care: a scoping review.

This scoping review sought to locate and describe criteria relating to admission to and discharge from inpatient mental health care for adolescents aged 11 to 19 years in the literature. In the United Kingdom (UK) and internationally, it is estimated that one in 10 children and adolescents has a diagnosable mental health problem. Children and adolescents with the highest levels of need are cared for in hospital, but there is a high demand for beds and a general lack of agreement regarding the criteria for admission to, and discharge from, such units. We considered research studies that focused on criteria for admission to and discharge from inpatient mental healthcare units for adolescents aged 11 to 19 years. We included all quantitative and qualitative research designs and text and opinion papers. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ERIC, British Nursing Index, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, OpenGrey, EThOS and websites of professional organizations for English language citations from 2009 to February 2018. Potentially relevant citations were retrieved in full and their citation details imported into the JBI System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. Full texts of selected citations were assessed in detail against the inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Findings were extracted directly into tables accompanied by a narrative summary relating to the review objectives. Thirty-five citations were included: quantitative research studies (n = 18), qualitative research studies (n = 1), and textual and opinion publications (n = 16). Of the quantitative research studies, 16 used a retrospective cohort design using case note reviews and two were prospective cohort studies. The qualitative study used interviews. The research studies were conducted in nine countries: USA (n = 7), UK (n = 3), New Zealand (n = 2), Israel (n = 2), Canada (n = 1), Norway (n = 1), Ireland (n = 1), Greece (n = 1) and Turkey (n = 1). The 16 textual and opinion publications included book chapters (n = 3), reviews (n = 3), policy and guidance documents (n = 3), reports (n = 3) and service specifications (n = 4). The majority of these were published in the UK (n = 10), with the remainder published in Ireland (n = 2), Australia (n = 2), and USA (n = 2). Research was conducted across a variety of settings including child and adolescent mental health service inpatient and outpatient units, emergency departments and adult psychiatric units. Length of stay, where recorded, ranged from < 1 day to 351 days. Several categories emerged from the data: type of admission process, referral or point of access, reasons for admission to inpatient mental health care, assessment processes, criteria for discharge and reasons for non-admission. There is little evidence identifying which behavioral or symptomatic indicators suggest that admission is required, beyond retrospective identification of diagnoses attributed to adolescents who become inpatients. The threshold of severity of risk or need is not currently articulated. No studies were identified that drew on the perspectives of adolescents and their families or carers regarding criteria warranting admission to inpatient mental health care, which indicates an important area for future investigation.

Transition to adult care in young people with neuromuscular disease on non-invasive ventilation

BackgroundLong-term mechanical ventilation (LTV) with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) prolongs survival in patients with Neuromuscular Diseases (NMDs). Transition from paediatric to adult healthcare system is an undervalued and challenging issue for children with chronic conditions on mechanical ventilation.Methodsthis retrospective study aims to compare issues of young adults in age to transition to adult care (≥ 15 years old) affected by NMDs on NIV in two different Paediatric Respiratory Units in two different countries: Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Research Institute, (Rome, Italy) (BGCH) and the Paediatric Respiratory Unit of the Royal Brompton Hospital (London, UK) (RBHT).ResultsThe median (min-max) age at starting ventilation was significantly different in the two groups (16 years old vs 12, p = 0.0006). We found significant difference in terms of median age at the time of observation (18 (15–22) vs 17 (15–19) years, p = 0.0294) and of type of referral (all the patients from the BGCH group were referred to paediatric services (n = 15, 100%), median age 18 (15–22); only 6 patients, in the RBHT group, with a median age 15.50 (15–17) years, were entirely referred to paediatric service). We found different sleep-disordered breathing assessments 6 full Polysomnographies, 7 Cardio-Respiratory Polygraphies and 2 oximetry with capnography (SpO2-tcCO2) studies in the BCGH group, while all patients of RBHT group were assessed with an SpO2-tcCO2 study. All patients from both groups underwent multidisciplinary assessment.ConclusionsIn conclusion, patients with NMDs on NIV in age to transition to adult require complex multidisciplinary management: significant efforts are needed to achieve the proper transition to adult care.