Weeks Of Discharge Research Articles

Post COVID-19 neurological manifestations – Retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital, India

The present pandemic caused by the Novel Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is predominantly but not restricted to respiratory illness. Neurological complications in the acute phase have been well characterized like Encephalopathy, psychosis, stroke but there is paucity of data about post COVID presentations. We aim to study the various neurological syndromes seen in COVID-19 patients following discharge. From July 2020 to December 2020, 1150 Laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases were admitted and treated in a tertiary care hospital. Patients who developed Neurological syndromes after discharge and within 6 weeks were studied. During the follow-up period, A total of 1150 COVID-19 positive patients treated in the IP department. Out of these 10 patients with severe ARDS requiring ventilator died, one patient died of MI, 5 people bedridden at discharge. Among the survivors a total of 19 (1.6%) Patients presented with neurological complaints within 6 weeks of discharge. Of these Ischemic Stroke – 2 cases, Hemorrhagic Stroke-1, ADEM-1, Optic neuritis – 2, Epilepsy-1, GB syndrome-1, Persistent Headache-2, Bell’s Palsy-1, Sensorineuronal deafness – 2, Severe fatigue-3, Myalgias-2, Severe vertigo-1. There were 12 Male and 7 Female, age ranged from 40 years to 65 years (Median – 54 years), Co-mobidities: Diabetes – 12, Hypertension – 7. SARS-CoV2 infection can cause neurological complications in both acute phase as well as in the follow up period. The pathophysiology need to be studied to plan for the management and prevention of these disabling neurological syndromes.

Early (0-7 day) and late (8-30 day) readmission predictors in acute coronary syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure patients

ABSTRACT Objectives Thirty-day readmission following hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), or congestive heart failure (CHF) is common, and many occur within one week of discharge. Using a cohort of patients hospitalized for ACS, AF, or CHF, we sought to identify predictors of 30-day, early (0–7 day), and late (8–30 day) all-cause readmission. Methods We identified 3531 hospitalizations for ACS, AF, or CHF at a large academic medical center between 2008 and 2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify predictors of 30-day, early, and late unplanned, all-cause readmission, adjusting for discharge diagnosis and other demographics and comorbidities. Results Of 3531 patients hospitalized for ACS, AF, or CHF, 700 (19.8%) were readmitted within 30 days, and 205 (29.3%) readmissions were early. Of all 30-day readmissions, 34.8% of ACS, 16.8% of AF, and 26.0% of the CHF cohorts’ readmissions occurred early. Higher hemoglobin was associated with lower 30-day readmission [adjusted (adj) OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.97] while patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission were more likely readmitted within 30 days (adj OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.67). Among patients with a 30-day readmission, females (adj OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.22, 2.47) and patients requiring ICU admission (adj OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.27, 3.26) were more likely readmitted early than late. Readmission predictors did not vary substantively by discharge diagnosis. Conclusion Patients admitted to the ICU were more likely readmitted in the early and 30-day periods. Other predictors varied between readmission groups. Since outpatient follow-up often occurs beyond 1 week of discharge, early readmission predictors can help healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from particular post-discharge services.

Post-Discharge Mortality and Rehospitalization among Participants in a Comprehensive Acute Kidney Injury Rehabilitation Program.

Hospitalization-associated AKI is common and is associated with markedly increased mortality and morbidity. This prospective cohort study examined the feasibility and association of an AKI rehabilitation program with postdischarge outcomes. Adult patients hospitalized from September 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020 in a large health system in Pennsylvania with stage 2-3 AKI who were alive and not on dialysis or hospice at discharge were evaluated for enrollment. The intervention included patient education, case manager services, and expedited nephrology appointments starting within 1-3 weeks of discharge. We examined the association between AKI rehabilitation program participation and risks of rehospitalization or mortality in logistic regression analyses adjusting for comorbidities, discharge disposition, and sociodemographic and kidney parameters. Sensitivity analysis was performed using propensity score matching. Among the high-risk patients with AKI who were evaluated, 77 of 183 were suitable for inclusion. Out of these, 52 (68%) patients were enrolled and compared with 400 contemporary, nonparticipant survivors of stage 2/3 AKI. Crude postdischarge rates of rehospitalization or death were lower for participants versus nonparticipants at 30 days (15% versus 34%; P=0.01) and at 90 days (31% versus 51%; P=0.01). After multivariable adjustment, participation in the AKI rehabilitation program was associated with lower risk of rehospitalization or mortality at 30 days (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.93), with similar findings at 90 days (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.25 to 1.05). Due to small sample size, propensity-matched analyses were limited. The participants' rehospitalization or mortality was numerically lower but not statistically significant at 30 days (18% versus 31%; P=0.22) or at 90 days (47% versus 58%; P=0.4). The AKI rehabilitation program was feasible and potentially associated with improved 30-day rehospitalization or mortality. Our interventions present a roadmap to improve enrollment in future randomized trials.

Preservation of Cardiac Reserve and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Patients With Acute De Novo Versus Acute on Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

There is limited understanding on the potential differences in the pathophysiology between de novo heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and acute on chronic HFrEF. The aim of this study was to assess differences in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) parameters between de novo heart failure and acute on chronic HFrEF using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). We retrospectively analyzed CPX data measured within 2 weeks of discharge following acute hospitalization for HFrEF. Data are reported as median and interquartile range or frequency and percentage (%). We included 102 patients: 32 (31%) women, 81 (79%) black, 57 (51 to 64) years of age, BMI of 34 (29 to 39) Kg/m2. Of these, 26 (25%) had de novo HFrEF and 76 (75%) had acute on chronic HFrEF. When compared with acute on chronic, patients with de novo HFrEF had a significantly higher peak oxygen consumption (VO2) (16.5 [12.2 to 19.4] vs 12.8 [10.1 to 15.3] ml·kg-1·min-1, p <0.001), %-predicted peak VO2 (58% [51 to 75] vs 49% [42 to 59]) p=0.012), peak heart rate (134 [117 to 147] vs 117 [104 to 136] beats/min, p=0.004), peak oxygen pulse (12.2 [10.5 to 15.5] vs 9.9 [8.0 to 13.1] ml/beat, p=0.022) and circulatory power (2,823 [1,973 to 3,299] vs 1,902 [1,372 to 2,512] mm Hg·ml·kg-1·min-1, p=0.002). No significant difference in resting left ventricular ejection fraction was found between groups. In conclusion, patients with de novo HFrEF have better CRF parameters than those with acute on chronic HFrEF. These differences are not explained by resting left ventricular systolic function but may be related to greater preservation in cardiac reserve during exercise in de novo HFrEF patients.

Sex Differences in the Care Experiences of Patients Hospitalized Due to Ischemic Heart Disease in Alberta, Canada

BackgroundWomen with heart disease experience disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of their condition. However, it is unknown whether these sex differences exist with respect to in-hospital patient experience. We examined the comprehensive experience of patients hospitalized due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) across Alberta, Canada, according to sex. MethodsPatients completed a modified version of the Canadian Patient Experiences Survey—Inpatient Care (CPES-IC) within 6 weeks of discharge. We examined 37 questions, including 33 regarding specific care processes and 4 global rating scales. Survey responses were reported as raw “top-box” percentages, that is, the most-positive answer choice to each question. Odds and corresponding 95% confidence intervals of women reporting a top-box response were then calculated for each question, while controlling for demographic and clinical factors. ResultsFrom April 2014 to March 2020, a total of 5795 surveys (1612 women, 4183 men) were completed. Taking the survey margin of error into account, women had lower top-box percentages on 26 of 37 questions. Similar results were obtained for the adjusted odds of reporting a top-box response. Women did not have a higher percentage of top-box responses on any of the questions studied. ConclusionsThis study is a Canadian first, which stratified the experiences of hospitalized patients living with ischemic heart disease according to sex. Our results highlighted important sex differences. Future research to understand the mechanisms associated with these observed sex differences in patient-reported experiences is warranted.

A qualitative study of recorded telephone support calls with mothers of preterm infants: Expressing both positive and negative feelings.

AimTo describe the structure and content of telephone support calls between mothers of preterm infants and support team members after hospital discharge.DesignThis is a qualitative study.MethodsData consisted of 19 recordings of telephone calls that occurred between March 2013 and December 2015. The calls were made by support team members to mothers within two weeks of discharge from the neonatal unit. Analyses were performed using content analysis.ResultsOne category referred to what the support team members said that facilitated or did not facilitate the conversation. It was found that the support team members managed to have conversations that were tailored to the mother's current needs and conversations where the focus was on what the support team members thought was important. A second category referred to the topics the mothers talked about and that the mothers expressed both negative and positive feelings.

Active versus Passive Voiding Protocols after Same-day Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy

To determine the proportion of patients discharged with a urinary catheter after a same-day benign gynecologic minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH) according to active vs passive voiding protocols. The secondary objectives included assessing postanesthesia care unit (PACU) duration and postoperative urinary retention (POUR) rate ≤2 weeks of discharge. Retrospective, observational cohort study. Large integrated healthcare system serving approximately 40% of the Northern California population. Patients aged 18 years or older undergoing same-day MIH without urogynecology procedures from 2015 to 2018 were categorized into active or passive voiding trial groups. Active voiding trials were defined as patients arriving in the PACU with a catheter, retrograde filling of the bladder with 300 mL saline then allowing for voiding ≥50% within 30 minutes. If the patients were unable to void this volume, they were discharged with a catheter to be removed within 24 hours. A passive voiding trial involved filling or not filling the bladder before PACU arrival without a catheter, then allowing for voiding or performing a straight catheterization if the patients were unable to void. Retrospective cohort study. A total of 1644 (83.2%) patients underwent passive voiding trials, and 333 (16.8%) underwent active voiding trials. The proportion of patients discharged with a catheter was lower in the passive voiding group than in the active voiding group (5.4% vs 10.5%; p=.001). The passive group had a shorter mean PACU time than the active group (218 ± 86 vs 240 ± 93 minutes; p <.001). The crude POUR rates for the passive and active voiding groups were 1.8% and 3.0%, respectively (p=.16). Within an integrated healthcare system, patients who underwent passive voiding trials compared with those who underwent active voiding trials were discharged home from the PACU after a shorter duration. In addition, a larger proportion of the patients who underwent passive voiding trials were discharged home without a urinary catheter. There were no differences in the POUR rates. Our findings suggest that passive voiding trials can be safely used after a benign MIH to reduce hospital duration, optimize healthcare resources, and improve patient experience.

A Prospective Study Evaluating Sleep Quality and Disorders in Post-ARDS Patients.

IntroductionCritically ill patients are predisposed to developing sleep disorders due to multiple factors like pre-existing sleep disorders, severe acute illness, sleep-altering medical interventions, and the disturbing intensive care unit (ICU) environment. In the current study, a multi-modality approach has been attempted to capture the different aspects of sleep disturbances, including insomnia (using ISI), daytime sleepiness (using ESS), sleep quality (using PSQI), sleep architecture, and SDB (using PSG).Materials and MethodsThe eligible ARDS survivor patients were updated about the study's design prior to hospital discharge. At admission, data regarding demographic details, clinical history, etiology of ARDS, and PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio at presentation, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores was collected. All enrolled patients were evaluated twice (early-within 7 days of admission and late-after 6 weeks of discharge) by the Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), Insomnia severity index (ISI), and level 1 PSG. Additionally, ESS questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were also recorded in late evaluation. Abnormal sleep was defined if one or more of the following characteristics met: ISI > 15, ESS > 10, global PSQI > 5, AHI ≥ 5 events/h.ResultsThirty patients were recruited out of the total of 88 ARDS patients screened at admission. The median (IQR) PaO2/FiO2 ratio and APACHE II scores were 176 (151–191.5) and 14 (14–16), respectively. The median (IQR) duration of stay in the ICU was 10 (7.3–19.5) days. The median RCSQ score in the early and late evaluation was 42 and 69, respectively. The mean ISI score in the early evaluation was 16.67 ± 4.72, which decreased to 11.70 ± 5.03 in late evaluation (p < 0.05). ISI score > 15 (clinical insomnia) was found in 18 out of 30 subjects (60%) in early evaluation and 11 out of 30 (36%) in late evaluation. During the early evaluation, sleep efficiency was low (median 59.9% and predominantly N1 and N2) which improved in late evaluation (median 80.6%). Of the 30 patients, only 4 had AHI > 5 in early evaluation and none in late evaluation. Neither of P/F ratio, SOFA, and APACHE II scores did correlate with ICU events in the early and late evaluations. Regression analysis showed subjects with ICU stay more than 10 days, duration of IMV more than 7 days, Fentanyl more than 7 mg, duration of sedative use more than 7 days was independently associated with poor objective sleep quality (low sleep efficiency, low TST and high arousal index) during the early and late evaluations after ICU discharge compared to counterparts (p value < 0.05).ConclusionWe conclude that sleep quality in ARDS survivors was poor within 7 days of ICU discharge, characterized by severe disruption of sleep architecture and sleep-disordered breathing. After 6 weeks of ICU discharge sleep quality showed significant improvement in the N3 stage and AHI, however persistent insomnia was observed even at 6 weeks. Therefore, prior identification of risk factors and early diagnosis of sleep quality disorders in post-ARDS patients is essential.

Persistent Opioid Usage After Urologic Intervention and the Impact of Tramadol

To determine if patients who receive tramadol are as likely to develop persistent usage compared to other opioids after urologic surgery and procedures. We identified adults 18 to 64 years old who underwent a urologic procedure in the years 2014 to 2017 using the Truven MarketScan database and subsequently filled an opioid prescription within two weeks of discharge. Patients were excluded if they had any previous opioid prescriptions in the year before surgery. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to estimate influence of type of opioid on discharge and various comorbidities on persistent use to determine if persistent use was related to the choice of discharge opioid. We also compared these rates to a 1:3 comorbidities matched, non-surgical cohort of patients from the general population. Overall, 115,687 patients were included. After 1 year, 14.8% of the urologic surgery cohort had persistent opioid usage compared to 10.8% in the opioid naïve matched non-surgical cohort (OR=1.37; 95% CI 1.35-1.39). Discharge with tramadol was associated with a higher odd of persistent usage compared to class II opioids controlling for type of urologic surgery, age, gender, and pain related comorbidities (OR=1.23 95% CI 1.13-1.35). The odds of persistent usage varied slightly by type of urologic procedure, but all were higher than matched non-surgical cohort. Patients developed persistent opiate usage after urologic surgery compared to a comorbidity matched non-surgical cohort. In this model, tramadol specifically was associated with higher odds of novel persistent opioid usage compared to other opioids. Urologists should not consider tramadol to be a safer choice with regard to developing persistent usage and consider prospective validation of these results.

COVID-19 Impact on the Doctor-Patient Relationship: Patient Perspectives on Emergency Physician Empathy and Communication.

Objective:To investigate in how the current COVID-19 pandemic affects patient’s perceptions of emergency physician empathy and communication. Methods:Patients cared for by Emergency Department physicians with the lowest satisfaction scores were surveyed within one week of discharge via phone. Using questions from the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) survey, patients rated their satisfaction with their Emergency provider’s empathy and communication on a scale of 1 to 5 and provided feedback on how the patient-provider interaction could be improved. Demographic data and patient responses to CARE survey questions were compared between pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 time. Patient’s open-ended responses were analyzed for themes related to the impact of COVID-19 on the patient-provider relationship.Results:Patient median quantitative scores were 5 (4-5) across all five questions of pre-COVID-19 and 5 (4-5) during COVID-19 for all questions except two (showing care and compassion), median 5(5-5). Female patients rated provider empathy and communication lower than mens. There was no differences across age strata. A shift in provider focuses to COVID-19 only care (N=3), and an understanding of the stress on healthcare processes (N=13) from open-ended responses themes emerged of patients who want to minimize interactions within the emergency department (N=3). Conclusions:The external factor of the current pandemic did not negatively impact patient’s satisfaction scores. Many patients express leniency and gratitude for emergency providers during this challenging time. Their responses seem to mirror current societal views of frontline healthcare workers.

Risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) from hospital admission and the impact of protection efforts on acute stroke treatment

BackgroundIt is unclear how interventions designed to restrict community and in-hospital exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus influenced stroke care for patients seeking acute treatment. Therefore, we aimed to determine how these COVID-19 interventions impacted acute stroke treatment times and to assess the risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their stay in our medical center. MethodsRetrospective, single center, two-phase study evaluating hospital and community trends from 12/2019 – 04/2020 compared to the previous year and pre/post (n = 156/93) intervention implementation. Phase I assessed stroke treatment times, delay to hospital arrival, and witnessed stroke volume. Phase II, a post-implementation telephone survey, assessed risk of developing symptoms or testing positive for COVID-19. ResultsStroke volume declined by 29% (p < .05) from April to March compared to the previous year. However, no significant delays in seeking medical care (pre Mdn=112, post Mdn=95, p = .34) was observed. Witnessed stroke volume decreased 11% (p < .001) compared to the pre-implementation group, but no significant delay in IV alteplase (pre Mdn=22 mins; post Mdn=26 mins, p = .08) nor endovascular treatment (pre Mdn=60 mins; post Mdn=80 mins, p = .45) was observed. In Phase II, 63 patients participated, two tested (3%) COVID-19 positive during admission and four (6%) within two weeks of discharge. COVID-19 contraction risk during and after hospitalization remained similar to the general population (RR=1.75, 95%CI: 0.79–3.63). Overall results indicated a marked decrease in stroke volume, no significant delays to either seek or provide acute stroke care were evident, and COVID-19 contraction risk was low. ConclusionsSeeking acute stroke medical care outweighs the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

Obstructive sleep apnea is highly prevalent in COVID19 related moderate to severe ARDS survivors: findings of level I polysomnography in a tertiary care hospital

Study objectivesStudies have found Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as a risk factor for increased risk for COVID19 Acute respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS); but most of the studies were done in already known patients of OSA. This study was done to find prevalence of OSA in patients with COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome. MethodologyA hospital based longitudinal study was conducted among COVID 19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors. All consecutive COVID19 with moderate to severe ARDS were evaluated for OSA by Level I Polysomnography (PSG) after 4–6 weeks of discharge. Prevalence of OSA and PSG variables {Total sleep time, Sleep efficiency, sleep stage percentage, Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), T90, nadir oxygen} was estimated. ResultsOut of 103 patients discharged from ICU during study period (October 2020 to 15 December 2020), 67 underwent Level I PSG. Mean Age was 52.6 ± 10.9 years and mean Body Mass Index was 27.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2. Total sleep time was 343.2 ± 86 min, sleep efficiency was 75.9 ± 14.2%. OSA (AHI ≥5) was seen in 65/67 patients and 49 patients had moderate to severe OSA (ie AHI ≥15). ConclusionModerate-severe OSA was highly prevalent (73%) in COVID19 moderate to severe ARDS survivors. Role of OSA in pathophysiology of COVID19 ARDS needs further evaluation.

Emergency Department Utilization Following Hepatopancreatic Surgery Among Medicare Beneficiaries

BackgroundCare delivered in hospital-based emergency departments (ED) is a target for cost savings. ED utilization following hepatopancreatic surgery remains poorly defined. We sought to define the rate of ED utilization following liver and pancreatic resection, as well as to identify factors associated with ED visits post-discharge. MethodsThe Medicare 100% Standard Analytic Files were used to identify Medicare beneficiaries who underwent hepatectomy or pancreatectomy between 2013 and 2017. Claims associated with ED services were identified using the relevant Revenue Center Codes. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes associated with ED care within 30 days of discharge were investigated. ResultsAmong 37,707 patients who underwent hepatopancreatic surgery, 10,323 (27.4%) had at least one ED visit within 30 days of discharge. Patients presenting to the ED were more likely to be male (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.07–1.18). Patients undergoing a pancreatectomy (OR 1.39, 95%CI 1.32–1.47), as well as patients who had a perioperative complication (OR 1.16, 95%CI 1.10–1.23) and patients not discharged home (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.33–1.49), were more likely to require ED care. In contrast, patients undergoing resection for cancer or surgery for an elective basis were less likely to present to the ED postoperatively (OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.87–0.97 and OR 0.22, 95%CI 0.20–0.23, respectively). Patients often had multiple ED visits within 30 days of discharge as 37.2% of patients presented to the ED with at least 2 visits. Visits were also most common in the immediate postoperative period, with 30.9% of ED visits taking place in the first 2 days from discharge. Among patients requiring postoperative ED care, 53.9% were readmitted within 30 days. ConclusionMore than 1 in 4 patients undergoing hepatopancreatic surgery presented to the ED within 30 days of discharge, with most patients returning to the ED within the first week of discharge. A subset of patients had multiple ED visits. Future efforts should target patients most likely to be high ED utilizers to avoid the need for early post-discharge ED use.

Effectiveness of diabetes education including insulin injection technique and dose adjustment through telemedicine in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Aims:To study the feasibility of diabetes education through telemedicine in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management. Methods:This was a prospective study of 100 patients with DM who were admitted in a COVID isolation ward for management of COVID-19. Patients managed with multiple subcutaneous insulin injections were eligible. During teleconsultation, diabetes education including insulin injection technique was given by a diabetes educator via a phone call (audio and video) during hospitalization. They were also re-assessed after 2 weeks of discharge from the hospital via teleconsultation or in-person. Results:Out of 100 patients, 72.0% had prior history of diabetes while 28.0% were newly diagnosed. The median age of our cohort was 56 years and median duration of diabetes was 7.0 years. Telemedicine as a mode of consult for diabetes education was accepted by 96.0% of patients during hospitalization. At 2 weeks’ follow-up, 77.0% patients were following insulin instructions correctly and were satisfied with this mode of consultation. Conclusion:Diabetes education using telemedicine as a technology is feasible, acceptable, and effective in the management of most patients with DM. Telemedicine appears to be an effective way to replace routine visits in special situations.

595-P: CGM Use in Ambulatory Insulin-Treated Patients following Hospital Discharge

Hospitalization is an opportunity for initiation and reevaluation of diabetes management. Many inpatients are either found to have new hyperglycemia or suboptimal glucose control, necessitating the initiation or titration of insulin. Blood glucose monitoring has traditionally been used with insulin therapy. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) of interstitial fluid has gained favor as an effective means to achieve this end. We studied the impact of early institution of CGM in the hospital and continuing post-discharge in insulin-treated patients over a 6-month time period. The initiative was shepherded by a newly-established academic endocrinology practice consisting of a diabetes specialist and a nurse clinician. Focused inpatient diabetes teaching, followed by formal outpatient education delivered by certified educators, was employed. 47 patients (31 males, 16 females; average age 63.3 years) were either begun or progressed to intensive insulin therapy (2-4 daily injections), coupled with CGM use (Freestyle Libre or Dexcom G6) within 2 weeks of discharge. Patients used blood glucose meter readings as needed. Downloaded CGM data with ambulatory glucose profile was reviewed for each patient proactively at least once a month. Patients were advised of changes in insulin/diabetes therapy by phone or electronic portal, and during telehealth and in-person office visits. The average time-in-range (TIR) increased from 59.6% to 60.9% (p= 0.5), while the average hemoglobin A1c decreased from an inpatient value of 9.8% to 7.4% (p&amp;lt;0.05) over a mean period of 6 months. The CGM continuation rate was close to 100%. We conclude that with availability of expertise and clinical support, CGM and its interactive technology offers a unique tool to improve glucose control and empower insulin-treated outpatients in the critical post-hospitalization time. It would be expected to result in better outcomes with regard to complications, readmission rates, and cost of care. Disclosure A. A. Rizvi: None. C. Eberlein: None.

827-P: Pioneering a Novel Inpatient Diabetes Consult Service in the COVID Era

Hospitalized patients often do not reach the ADA-recommended glucose targets, which in turn increases complications, costs, length of stay, and readmission rate. The ADA supports the availability of trained specialists and teams to improve outcomes. Partly in response to the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, we instituted an inpatient “virtual care” initiative by electronic medical record (EMR) review. The ProActive Glucose Advice Team (pGAT) utilizes specialist expertise, automated computerized detection of hyperglycemia, and feedback to the primary service. The pGAT team members consist of an endocrinologist, a nurse diabetes care and education specialist, and a clinical dietician. The team reviewed a computer-generated report of inpatients with either 2 or more blood glucose values ≥180 mg/dl within the last 24 hours, and/or a hemoglobin A1c (A1c) ≥8%. We proposed to enter a brief, structured “pGAT Note” in the EMR, followed by a “gentle reminder” note the next day, including advice for a formal diabetes education and an endocrinology consultation. This proactive approach to the management of hyperglycemia would provide a summary review of the patient’s glucose state, determine the level of patient’s self-care skills, and steps to improve inpatient glycemic control. For preliminary data during the first 4-month phase after implementation of the pGAT initiative, we examined individualized discharge management and timely outpatient follow-up with endocrinology. Of 37 patients (28 males, 9 females; average age 60.4 years), 34 were treated with intensive insulin therapy with multiple daily insulin injections, 31 were seen in f/u within 2 weeks of discharge, and 25 were begun on Continuous Glucose Monitoring. The average A1c fell from an inpatient value of 11.6% to 8.4% measured between 2-4 months later. During the next pGAT phase, we intend to study inpatient therapy parameters, notably appropriate use of computerized insulin order sets, titration of basal insulin, and prandial-correction bolus insulin use. Disclosure A. A. Rizvi: None. A. O. Rich: None. R. Eldridge: None.

Variables Prevalent Among Early Unplanned Readmissions in Infants Following Congenital Heart Surgery.

Medically complex children including infants undergoing cardiac surgery are at increased risk for hospital readmissions. Investigation of this population may reveal opportunities to optimize systems and coordination of care. A retrospective study of all infants undergoing cardiac surgery from 2015 through 2016 at a large tertiary institution who were readmitted within 1 year of discharge from cardiac surgical hospitalization was performed. Data specific to patient characteristics, surgical hospitalization, and readmission hospitalization are described. Unplanned readmissions within 1 year of hospital discharge were analyzed with Cox proportional hazard regression to identify factors associated with increased hazard for earlier unplanned readmission. Comparable to previous reports, 12% (78/658) of all surgical hospitalizations were associated with unplanned readmission within 30 days. Infectious etiology, followed by cardiac and gastrointestinal problems, was the most common reasons for unplanned 30-day readmission. Unplanned readmissions within 2 weeks of discharge were multifactorial and less commonly related to cardiac or surgical care. Primary nasogastric tube feeding at the time of discharge was the only significant risk factor for earlier unplanned readmission (p = 0.032) on multivariable analysis. Increased care coordination with particular attention to feeding and comorbidity management may be future targets to effectively mitigate readmissions and improve quality of care in this population.

Symptoms Experienced by Women at Home and Self-Care Agency after Breast-Conserving Surgery

This study was conducted to determine the symptoms experienced by women at home and self-care agency after breast-conserving surgery. The study was carried out in a public hospital in Istanbul between January and June 2018. The sample of the study consisted of 65 women. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews using Patient Description Form, Symptom Check List and Self-Care Agency Scale during outpatient check-ups in the first and third weeks following discharge. The mean age of the women was 52.68 ± 13.24. Fatigue, weakness, pain and insomnia were mostly experienced symptoms in the first and third weeks after discharge while fever, discharge from the wound area and nausea-vomiting symptoms were the least experienced symptoms in these weeks. It was determined that women had moderate self-care agency in the first and third weeks of discharge. Women who were married and whose income was equal to their expenses had higher self-care agency, and those living alone had lower self-care agency than those living with their spouses and children ( p &lt; 0.05). The self-care agency scores of those who did not have a chronic disease were higher than those with chronic diseases ( p &lt; 0.05). It is found that women with breast-conserving surgery experience symptoms related to the operation in the first and third weeks of discharge. Women’s self care agency was moderate during the follow up period, meaning that these patients should be supported by nurses with regard to self care agency and symptoms experienced at home.

Improving compliance with guidelines for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy through an electronic health record alert: A retrospective chart review.

Improve appropriate and timely administration of rapid acting antihypertensive medication for the management of hypertensive emergency in pregnancy with utilization of an automated electronic health record (EHR) alert in an academic birthplace. An automated alert was incorporated into an existing EHR that notified providers of a documented severe range blood pressure, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP)≥160mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP)≥110mmHg. Retrospective chart review was utilized to evaluate appropriate intervention before and after implementation of the alert (referred to as pre-implementation and post-implementation cohorts). The primary outcome was appropriate administration of rapid-acting antihypertensive medication for the management of hypertensive emergency. Secondary outcomes included: appropriate administration of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate for seizure prophylaxis, initiation of oral antihypertensive medication postpartum, and appropriate timing of follow up for blood pressure evaluation following discharge. Of 98 patients identified as having hypertensive emergency in the pre-implementation cohort, 34 (35%) received treatment with a rapid acting antihypertensive medication within one hour compared with 54 of 104 (55%) of patients in the post-implementation cohort (35% vs 55%, RR 1.40 95% CI 1.07-1.82). Significantly more patients followed up for a blood pressure check within one week of discharge (41% vs 31%; p=0.02). There was not a significant effect on the administration of IV magnesium sulfate or initiation of oral medications postpartum. An automated EHR alert improved timely administration of rapid-acting antihypertensive medications for hypertensive emergency and has the potential to improve compliance with national preeclampsia guidelines.

Implementation of a Pharmacist-Managed Transitions of Care Tool.

To improve, expand, and sustain a pharmacist-based transitions of care (TOC) program and to assess interventions targeting veterans at high risk for adverse outcomes. A TOC program was developed and piloted at the Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RLRVAMC). Following success of the pilot project, targeted interventions were identified to improve and expand the program. Patients deemed high risk for readmission by an acute care pharmacist were identified and referred for continued postdischarge follow-up. The study population included patients discharged to the community with primary care established within the RLRVAMC system. Eligible patients were entered into a TOC database by the referring acute care pharmacist. A pharmacist in the primary care clinic reviewed then contacted the patient within 1 week of discharge. Appropriate documentation of each visit was completed in the electronic health record. Data collection included background information, time to follow-up, medication discrepancies, pharmacist interventions, emergency department visits, and hospital readmissions. A total of 139 patients were included, of which 99 patients were reached for pharmacist follow-up. There were 43 medication-related discrepancies among all patients. The most common discrepancy was taking the wrong dose of a prescribed medication. Additional counseling was provided to 75% of patients. The subset of patients who were reached by a pharmacist had decreased index (5.1% vs 15.0%; P = .049) and all-cause readmissions (8.1% vs 27.5%; P = .03) at 30 days compared with those who did not received pharmacist follow-up, respectively. This study demonstrated that implementation and expansion of a pharmacist-based TOC process is effective in communicating high-risk patients and intervening on medication-related issues postdischarge.