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Hertz JT, Stark K, Sakita FM, Mlangi JJ, Kweka GL, Prattipati S, Shayo F, Kaboigora V, Mtui J, Isack MN, Kindishe EM, Ngelengi DJ, Limkakeng AT, Thielman NM, Bloomfield GS, Bettger JP, Tarimo TG. Adapting an Intervention to Improve Acute Myocardial Infarction Care in Tanzania: Co-Design of the MIMIC Intervention. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:21. [PMID: 38495415 PMCID: PMC10941691 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Uptake of evidence-based care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is suboptimal in Tanzania, but there are currently no published interventions to improve AMI care in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives Co-design a quality improvement intervention for AMI care tailored to local contextual factors. Methods An interdisciplinary design team consisting of 20 physicians, nurses, implementation scientists, and administrators met from June 2022 through August 2023. Half of the design team consisted of representatives from the target audience, emergency department physicians and nurses at a referral hospital in northern Tanzania. The design team reviewed multiple published quality improvement interventions focusing on ED-based AMI care. After selecting a multicomponent intervention to improve AMI care in Brazil (BRIDGE-ACS), the design team used the ADAPT-ITT framework to adapt the intervention to the local context. Findings The design team audited current AMI care processes at the study hospital and reviewed qualitative data regarding barriers to care. Multiple adaptations were made to the original BRIDGE-ACS intervention to suit the local context, including re-designing the physician reminder system and adding patient educational materials. Additional feedback was sought from topical experts, including patients with AMI. Draft intervention materials were iteratively refined in response to feedback from experts and the design team. The finalized intervention, Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Myocardial Infarction Care in Tanzania (MIMIC), consisted of five core components: physician reminders, pocket cards, champions, provider training, and patient education. Conclusion MIMIC is the first locally tailored intervention to improve AMI care in sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies will evaluate implementation outcomes and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T. Hertz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen Stark
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francis M. Sakita
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Frida Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Julius Mtui
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Alexander T. Limkakeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan M. Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gerald S. Bloomfield
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janet P. Bettger
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Daniels B, Shah D, Kwan AT, Das R, Das V, Puri V, Tipre P, Waghmare U, Gomare M, Keskar P, Das J, Pai M. Tuberculosis diagnosis and management in the public versus private sector: a standardised patients study in Mumbai, India. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009657. [PMID: 36261230 PMCID: PMC9582305 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few rigorous studies comparing quality of tuberculosis (TB) care in public versus private sectors. METHODS We used standardised patients (SPs) to measure technical quality and patient experience in a sample of private and public facilities in Mumbai. RESULTS SPs presented a 'classic, suspected TB' scenario and a 'recurrence or drug-resistance' scenario. In the private sector, SPs completed 643 interactions. In the public sector, 164 interactions. Outcomes included indicators of correct management, medication use and client experience. Public providers used microbiological testing (typically, microscopy) more frequently, in 123 of 164 (75%; 95% CI 68% to 81%) vs 223 of 644 interactions (35%; 95% CI 31% to 38%) in the private sector. Private providers were more likely to order chest X-rays, in 556 of 639 interactions (86%; 95% CI 84% to 89%). According to national TB guidelines, we found higher proportions of correct management in the public sector (75% vs 35%; (adjusted) difference 35 percentage points (pp); 95% CI 25 to 46). If X-rays were considered acceptable for the first case but drug-susceptibility testing was required for the second case, the private sector correctly managed a slightly higher proportion of interactions (67% vs 51%; adjusted difference 16 pp; 95% CI 7 to 25). Broad-spectrum antibiotics were used in 76% (95% CI 66% to 84%) of the interactions in public hospitals, and 61% (95% CI 58% to 65%) in private facilities. Costs in the private clinics averaged rupees INR 512 (95% CI 485 to 539); public facilities charged INR 10. Private providers spent more time with patients (4.4 min vs 2.4 min; adjusted difference 2.0 min; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.9) and asked a greater share of relevant questions (29% vs 43%; adjusted difference 13.7 pp; 95% CI 8.2 to 19.3). CONCLUSIONS While the public providers did a better job of adhering to national TB guidelines (especially microbiological testing) and offered less expensive care, private sector providers did better on client experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Daniels
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Daksha Shah
- Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai, India
| | - Ada T Kwan
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ranendra Das
- Institute for Socio-Economic Research on Development and Democracy, Delhi, India
| | - Veena Das
- Department of Anthropology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Varsha Puri
- Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai, India
| | - Pranita Tipre
- Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai, India
| | - Upalimitra Waghmare
- Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai, India
| | - Mangala Gomare
- Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai, India
| | - Padmaja Keskar
- Public Health Department, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Mumbai, India
| | - Jishnu Das
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Madhukar Pai
- McGill International TB Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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An Artificial Intelligence-Based Alarm Strategy Facilitates Management of Acute Myocardial Infarction. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111149. [PMID: 34834501 PMCID: PMC8623357 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: While an artificial intelligence (AI)-based, cardiologist-level, deep-learning model for detecting acute myocardial infarction (AMI), based on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), has been established to have extraordinary capabilities, its real-world performance and clinical applications are currently unknown. (2) Methods and Results: To set up an artificial intelligence-based alarm strategy (AI-S) for detecting AMI, we assembled a strategy development cohort including 25,002 visits from August 2019 to April 2020 and a prospective validation cohort including 14,296 visits from May to August 2020 at an emergency department. The components of AI-S consisted of chest pain symptoms, a 12-lead ECG, and high-sensitivity troponin I. The primary endpoint was to assess the performance of AI-S in the prospective validation cohort by evaluating F-measure, precision, and recall. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the impact on door-to-balloon (DtoB) time before and after AI-S implementation in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Patients with STEMI were alerted precisely by AI-S (F-measure = 0.932, precision of 93.2%, recall of 93.2%). Strikingly, in comparison with pre-AI-S (N = 57) and post-AI-S (N = 32) implantation in STEMI protocol, the median ECG-to-cardiac catheterization laboratory activation (EtoCCLA) time was significantly reduced from 6.0 (IQR, 5.0–8.0 min) to 4.0 min (IQR, 3.0–5.0 min) (p < 0.01). The median DtoB time was shortened from 69 (IQR, 61.0–82.0 min) to 61 min (IQR, 56.8–73.2 min) (p = 0.037). (3) Conclusions: AI-S offers front-line physicians a timely and reliable diagnostic decision-support system, thereby significantly reducing EtoCCLA and DtoB time, and facilitating the PPCI process. Nevertheless, large-scale, multi-institute, prospective, or randomized control studies are necessary to further confirm its real-world performance.
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Nguyen DD, Doll JA. Quality Improvement and Public Reporting in STEMI Care. Interv Cardiol Clin 2021; 10:391-400. [PMID: 34053625 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccl.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mortality rates for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain high despite development of novel drugs and interventions over the past several decades. There is significant variability between hospitals in use of evidence-based treatments, and substantial opportunities exist to optimize care pathways and reduce disparities in care delivery. Quality improvement interventions implemented at local, regional, and national levels have improved care processes and patient outcomes. This article reviews evidence for quality improvement interventions along the spectrum of STEMI care, describes existing systems for quality measurement, and examines local and national policy interventions, with special attention to public reporting programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan D Nguyen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jacob A Doll
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
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A modified cardiac triage strategy reduces door to ECG time in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6358. [PMID: 33737723 PMCID: PMC7973784 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Timely performing electrocardiography (ECG) is crucial for early detection of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). For shortening door-to-ECG time, a chief complaint-based “cardiac triage” protocol comprising (1) raising alert among medical staff with bedside triage tags, and (2) immediate bedside ECG after focused history-taking was implemented at the emergency department (ED) in a single tertiary referral center. All patients diagnosed with STEMI visiting the ED between November 2017 and January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the effectiveness of strategy before and after implantation. Analysis of a total of 117 ED patients with STEMI (pre-intervention group, n = 57; post-intervention group, n = 60) showed significant overall improvements in median door-to-ECG time from 5 to 4 min (p = 0.02), achievement rate of door-to-ECG time < 10 min from 45 to 57% (p = 0.01), median door-to-balloon time from 81 to 70 min (p < 0.01). Significant trends of increase in achievement rates for door-to-ECG and door-to-balloon times (p = 0.032 and p = 0.002, respectively) was noted after strategy implementation. The incidences of door-to-ECG time > 10 min for those with initially underestimated disease severity (from 90 to 10%, p < 0.01) and walk-in (from 29.2 to 8.8%, p = 0.04) were both reduced. In conclusion, a chief complaint-based “cardiac triage” strategy successfully improved the quality of emergency care for STEMI patients through reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
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Mappangara I, Qanitha A, Uiterwaal CSPM, Henriques JPS, de Mol BAJM. Tele-ECG consulting and outcomes on primary care patients in a low-to-middle income population: the first experience from Makassar telemedicine program, Indonesia. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:247. [PMID: 33250059 PMCID: PMC7702690 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Telemedicine has been a popular tool to overcome the lack of access to healthcare facilities, primarily in underprivileged populations. We aimed to describe and assess the implementation of a tele-electrocardiography (ECG) program in primary care settings in Indonesia, and subsequently examine the short- and mid-term outcomes of patients who have received tele-ECG consultations. Methods ECG recordings from thirty primary care centers were transmitted to Makassar Cardiac Center, Indonesia from January to July 2017. We cross-sectionally measured the performance of this tele-ECG program, and prospectively sent a detailed questionnaire to general practitioners (GPs) at the primary care centers. We performed follow-up at 30 days and at the end of the study period to assess the patient outcomes. Results Of 505 recordings, all (100%) ECGs were qualified for analysis, and about half showed normal findings. The mean age of participants was 53.3 ± 13.6 years, and 40.2% were male. Most (373, 73.9%) of these primary care patients exhibited manifested CVD symptom with at least one risk factor. Male patients had more ischemic ECGs compared to women (p < 0.01), while older age (> 55 years) was associated with ischemic or arrhythmic ECGs (p < 0.05). Factors significantly associated with a normal ECG were younger age, female gender, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and no history of previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) or medication. More patients with an abnormal ECG had a history of hypertension, known diabetes, and were current smokers (p < 0.05). Of all tele-consultations, GPs reported 95% of satisfaction rate, and 296 (58.6%) used tele-ECG for an expert opinion. Over the total follow-up (14 ± 6.6 months), seven (1.4%) patients died and 96 (19.0%) were hospitalized for CVD. Of 88 patients for whom hospital admission was advised, 72 (81.8%) were immediately referred within 48 h following the tele-ECG consultation. Conclusions Tele-ECG can be implemented in Indonesian primary care settings with limited resources and may assist GPs in immediate triage, resulting in a higher rate of early hospitalization for indicated patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-020-01325-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idar Mappangara
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Andriany Qanitha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. .,Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Cuno S P M Uiterwaal
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jose P S Henriques
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastianus A J M de Mol
- Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hertz JT, Sakita FM, Kweka GL, Bloomfield GS, Bartlett JA, Tarimo TG, Temu G, Bettger JP, Thielman NM. Effect of a Triage-Based Screening Protocol on Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Tanzanian Emergency Department: A Prospective Pre-Post Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e016501. [PMID: 32772764 PMCID: PMC7660831 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.016501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is underdiagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa. Triage-based interventions have improved ACS diagnosis and management in high-income settings but have not been evaluated in sub-Saharan African emergency departments (EDs). Our objective was to estimate the effect of a triage-based screening protocol on ACS diagnosis and care in a Tanzanian ED. Methods and Results All adults presenting to a Tanzanian ED with chest pain or shortness of breath were prospectively enrolled. Treatments and clinician-documented diagnoses were observed and recorded. In the preintervention phase (August 2018 through January 2019), ACS testing and treatment were dictated by physician discretion, as per usual care. A triage-based protocol was then introduced, and in the postintervention phase (January 2019 through October 2019), research assistants performed ECG and point-of-care troponin I testing on all patients with chest pain or shortness of breath upon ED arrival. Pre-post analyses compared ACS care between phases. Of 1020 total participants (339 preintervention phase, 681 postintervention phase), mean (SD) age was 58.9 (19.4) years. Six (1.8%) preintervention participants were diagnosed with ACS, versus 83 (12.2%) postintervention participants (odds ratio [OR], 7.51; 95% CI, 3.52-19.7; P<0.001). Among all participants, 3 (0.9%) preintervention participants received aspirin, compared with 50 (7.3%) postintervention participants (OR, 8.45; 95% CI, 3.07-36.13; P<0.001). Conclusions Introduction of a triage-based ACS screening protocol in a Tanzanian ED was associated with significant increases in ACS diagnoses and aspirin administration. Additional research is needed to determine the effect of ED-based interventions on ACS care and clinical end points in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T. Hertz
- Department of SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
- Duke Global Health InstituteDuke UniversityDurhamNC
| | - Francis M. Sakita
- Department of Emergency MedicineKilimanjaro Christian Medical CentreMoshiTanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University CollegeMoshiTanzania
| | | | - Gerald S. Bloomfield
- Duke Global Health InstituteDuke UniversityDurhamNC
- Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
| | - John A. Bartlett
- Duke Global Health InstituteDuke UniversityDurhamNC
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University CollegeMoshiTanzania
- Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
| | | | - Gloria Temu
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University CollegeMoshiTanzania
- Department of MedicineKilimanjaro Christian Medical CentreMoshiTanzania
| | - Janet P. Bettger
- Duke Global Health InstituteDuke UniversityDurhamNC
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
| | - Nathan M. Thielman
- Duke Global Health InstituteDuke UniversityDurhamNC
- Department of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
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8
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Li YH, Lee CH, Huang WC, Wang YC, Su CH, Sung PH, Chien SC, Hwang JJ. 2020 Focused Update of the 2012 Guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the Management of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2020; 36:285-307. [PMID: 32675921 PMCID: PMC7355116 DOI: 10.6515/acs.202007_36(4).20200619a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
One of the major missions of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology is to publish practice guidelines that are suitable for local use in Taiwan. The ultimate purpose is to continuously improve cardiovascular health care from the implementation of the recommendations in the guidelines. Despite recent improvement of medical care, patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) still carry a high morbidity and mortality. There have been many changes in the concepts of STEMI diagnosis and treatment in recent years. The 2020 focused update of the 2012 guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the management of STEMI is an amendment of the 2012 guidelines based on the newest published scientific data. The recommendations in this focused update provide the diagnosis and treatment strategy for STEMI that should be generally implemented in Taiwan. Nevertheless, guidelines never completely replace clinical judgment and medical decision still should be determined individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Heng Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan
| | - Wei-Chun Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei
- Department of Physical Therapy, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung
| | - Yu-Chen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asia University Hospital
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University College of Medicine and Hospital
| | - Chun-Hung Su
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital
- Institute of Medicine, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung
| | - Pei-Hsun Sung
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine
| | - Shih-Chieh Chien
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei
| | - Juey-Jen Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Bahiru E, Agarwal A, Berendsen MA, Baldridge AS, Temu T, Rogers A, Farquhar C, Bukachi F, Huffman MD. Hospital-Based Quality Improvement Interventions for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2019; 12:e005513. [PMID: 31525081 DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.118.005513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality improvement initiatives have been developed to improve acute coronary syndrome care largely in high-income country settings. We sought to synthesize the effect size and quality of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies for hospital-based acute coronary syndrome quality improvement interventions on clinical outcomes and process of care measures for their potential implementation in low- and middle-income country settings. METHODS AND RESULTS We conducted a bibliometric search of databases and trial registers and a hand search in 2016 and performed an updated search in May 2018 and May 2019. We performed data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality of evidence assessments in duplicate. We assessed differences in outcomes by study design comparing RCTs to nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies and by country income status. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to substantial, unexplained heterogeneity among the included studies, and thus, we present a qualitative synthesis. We screened 5858 records and included 32 studies (14 RCTs [n=109 763] and 18 nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies [n=54-423]). In-hospital mortality ranged from 2.1% to 4.8% in the intervention groups versus 3.3% to 5.1% in the control groups in 5 RCTs (n=55 942). Five RCTs (n=64 313) reported 3.0% to 31.0% higher rates of reperfusion for patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in the intervention groups. The effect sizes for in-hospital and discharge medical therapies in a majority of RCTs were 3.0% to 10.0% higher in the intervention groups. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality evaluated by 4 RCTs (n=42 384), which reported 2.5% to 15.0% versus 5.9% to 22% 30-day mortality rates in the intervention versus control groups. In contrast, nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies reported larger effect sizes compared to RCTs. There were no significant consistent differences in outcomes between high-income and middle-income countries. Low-income countries were not represented in any of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Hospital-based acute coronary syndrome quality improvement interventions have a modest effect on process of care measures but not on clinical outcomes with expected differences by study design. Although quality improvement programs have an ongoing and important role for acute coronary syndrome quality of care in high-income country settings, further research will help to identify key components for contextualizing and implementing such interventions to new settings to achieve their desired effects. Systematic Review Registration: URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. Unique identifier: CRD42016047604.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehete Bahiru
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, CA (E.B.)
| | - Anubha Agarwal
- Department of Medicine (A.A., M.D.H.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Mark A Berendsen
- Galter Health Sciences Library (M.A.B.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Abigail S Baldridge
- Department of Preventive Medicine (A.S.B., M.D.H.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Tecla Temu
- Departments of Global Health (T.T.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Amy Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA (A.R.)
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine (C.F.), University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - Mark D Huffman
- Department of Medicine (A.A., M.D.H.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Department of Preventive Medicine (A.S.B., M.D.H.), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,The George Institute for Global Health, Food Policy Division, Sydney, Australia (M.D.H.)
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10
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The Taiwan Heart Registries: Its Influence on Cardiovascular Patient Care. J Am Coll Cardiol 2019; 71:1273-1283. [PMID: 29544612 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Taiwanese heart registries for the main cardiovascular diseases have been conducted in the past 10 years, with the goal of examining the quality of cardiovascular patient care, which cannot be guaranteed by the universal Taiwan National Health Insurance. The results show suboptimal adherence to guideline recommendations. Door-to-balloon time and dual antiplatelet therapy use in acute coronary syndrome, standard medications for management of heart failure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in dyslipidemia, anticoagulant agent use in atrial fibrillation, and the understanding of sudden arrhythmia death syndrome were all found to be inadequate. However, all were improved, either by changing National Health Insurance policy or through continuous education for physicians and patients. Thus, specific cardiovascular disease registries could help examine the status of real-world practice, find inadequacies in guideline implementation and understanding of rare diseases, facilitate lobbying to policy makers and education for physicians and patients, and influence and improve cardiovascular patient care.
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11
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Li YH, Chiu YW, Cheng JJ, Hsieh IC, Lo PH, Lei MH, Ueng KC, Chiang FT, Sung SH, Kuo JY, Chen CP, Lai WT, Lee WL, Chen JH. Changing Practice Pattern of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Taiwan from 2008 to 2015. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2019; 35:1-10. [PMID: 30713394 PMCID: PMC6342842 DOI: 10.6515/acs.201901_35(1).20180716b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST segment elevation (NSTE)-ACS have a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the practice patterns of ACS care in Taiwan from 2005 to 2018. METHODS Data from two nationwide ACS registries (2008-2010 and 2012-2015) were used. ACS patients who received percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) during admission were compared between the two registries. RESULTS In STEMI, the door-to-balloon time for primary PCI decreased by 25 min from a median of 96 to 71 min (p < 0.0001) from the first to second registry. More complex PCI procedures and drug-eluting stents were used for ACS. However, the onset-to-door time was still long for both STEMI and NSTE-ACS. The D2B time for NSTE-ACS was long, especially in the elderly and female patients. Although the prescription rate of secondary preventive medications for ACS increased, it was still relatively low compared with Western data, especially in NSTE-ACS. CONCLUSIONS The registry data showed that ACS care quality has improved in Taiwan. However, areas including onset-to-door time and use of secondary preventive medications still need further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Heng Li
- National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan
| | - Yu-Wei Chiu
- Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City
| | | | - I-Chang Hsieh
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan
| | - Ping-Han Lo
- China Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taichung
| | | | | | - Fu-Tien Chiang
- National Taiwan University Hospital and Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital
| | - Shih-Hsien Sung
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming University
| | | | | | - Wen-Ter Lai
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City
| | | | - Jyh-Hong Chen
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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du Toit M, Malau-Aduli B, Vangaveti V, Sabesan S, Ray RA. Use of telehealth in the management of non-critical emergencies in rural or remote emergency departments: A systematic review. J Telemed Telecare 2017; 25:3-16. [PMID: 28980853 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x17734239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth has been used extensively in emergency departments to improve healthcare provision. However, its impact on the management of non-critical emergency presentations within rural and remote emergency department settings has not been adequately explored. The objective of this systematic review is to identify how telehealth has been used to assist in the management of non-critical presentations in rural and remote emergency departments and the outcomes. METHODS Articles were identified through database searches of CINAHL, Cochrane, MEDLINE (OVID), Informit and SCOPUS, as well as the screening of relevant article reference and citation lists. To determine how telehealth can assist in the management of non-critical emergencies, information was extracted relating to telehealth programme model, the scope of service and participating health professionals. The outcomes of telehealth programmes were determined by analysing the uptake and usage of telehealth, the impact on altering a diagnosis or management plan as well as patient disposition including patient transfer, discharge, local hospital admission and rates of discharge against medical advice. RESULTS Of the 2532 identified records, 15 were found to match the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Uptake and usage increased for telehealth programmes predominantly utilised by nursing staff with limited local medical support. Teleconsultation conservatively altered patient diagnosis or management in 18-66% of consultations. Although teleconsultation was associated with increased patient transfer rates, unnecessary transfers were reduced. Simultaneously, an increase in local hospital admission was noted and fewer patients were discharged home. Discharge against medical advice rates were low at 0.9-1.1%. CONCLUSION The most widely implemented hub-and-spoke telehealth model could be incorporated into existing referral frameworks. Telehealth programmes may assist in reducing unnecessary patient transfer and secondary overtriage, while increasing the capacity of emergency department staff to diagnose and manage patients locally, which may translate into increased local hospital admission and reduced discharge rates following teleconsultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie du Toit
- 1 College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Australia
| | - Bunmi Malau-Aduli
- 1 College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Australia
| | - Venkat Vangaveti
- 1 College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Australia
| | - Sabe Sabesan
- 1 College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Australia.,2 Department of Medical Oncology, Townsville Hospital, Australia
| | - Robin A Ray
- 1 College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Australia
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13
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Chen KC, Yin WH, Young MS, Wei J. In-Hospital Tele-ECG Triage and Interventional Cardiologist Activation of the Infarct Team for STEMI Patients is Associated with Improved Late Clinical Outcomes. ACTA CARDIOLOGICA SINICA 2016; 32:428-38. [PMID: 27471356 DOI: 10.6515/acs20150731c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to recent advances, door-to-balloon time (D2BT) has been reduced significantly for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, whether this reduction can be translated into a concrete mortality or morbidity benefit is still the subject of controversy. We conducted a before-and-after study to determine the impact of in-hospital tele-electrocardiography (ECG) triage and interventional cardiologist activation of the infarct team on D2BT and long-term clinical outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS A total of 272 consecutive patients with acute STEMI undergoing PPCI were enrolled in our study, comprising 102 tele-ECG patients and 170 conventional triage patients. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral vascular events (MACCE), including death, recurrent nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and angina-driven target vessel revascularization were recorded during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS The median D2BT of the tele-ECG group was significantly shorter than control group (79 minutes vs. 109 minutes, p < 0.001). The tele-ECG triage group had a higher percentage of patients reaching the D2BT goal (< 90 minutes) (78% vs. 55%; p < 0.001). The MACCE rate was significantly lower in the Tele-ECG versus the control group (23.5% vs. 38.2%, p = 0.012). Tele-ECG group had a lower mortality rate which did not reached statistical significance (2% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.102). In multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses, the implementation of tele-ECG triage (HR = 0.43, p = 0.003) and the presence of moderate or severe mitral regurgitation at presentation (HR = 1.87, p = 0.029) were discovered as independently associated with MACCE. CONCLUSIONS In-hospital tele-ECG triage and interventional cardiologist activation can shorten D2BT and is associated with improved late clinical outcomes during a 3-year follow-up in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chun Chen
- Division of Cardiology; ; Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital; ; Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Wei-Hsian Yin
- Division of Cardiology; ; Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital; ; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jeng Wei
- Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital
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14
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Mawri S, Michaels A, Gibbs J, Shah S, Rao S, Kugelmass A, Lingam N, Arida M, Jacobsen G, Rowlandson I, Iyer K, Khandelwal A, McCord J. The Comparison of Physician to Computer Interpreted Electrocardiograms on ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Door-to-balloon Times. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2016; 15:22-25. [PMID: 26881816 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0000000000000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the project was to study the impact that immediate physician electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation would have on door-to-balloon times in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as compared with computer-interpreted ECGs. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of 340 consecutive patients from September 2003 to December 2009 with STEMI who underwent emergent cardiac catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the computer-interpreted ECG interpretation: those with acute myocardial infarction identified by the computer interpretation and those not identified as acute myocardial infarction. Patients (n = 173) from September 2003 to June 2006 had their initial ECG reviewed by the triage nurse, while patients from July 2006 to December 2009 (n = 167) had their ECG reviewed by the emergency department physician within 10 minutes. Times for catheterization laboratory activation and percutaneous coronary intervention were recorded in all patients. RESULTS Of the 340 patients with confirmed STEMI, 102 (30%) patients were not identified by computer interpretation. Comparing the prior protocol of computer ECG to physician interpretation, the latter resulted in significant improvements in median catheterization laboratory activation time {19 minutes [interquartile range (IQR): 10-37] vs. 16 minutes [IQR: 8-29]; P < 0.029} and in median door-to-balloon time [113 minutes (IQR: 86-143) vs. 85 minutes (IQR: 62-106); P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION The computer-interpreted ECG failed to identify a significant number of patients with STEMI. The immediate review of ECGs by an emergency physician led to faster activation of the catheterization laboratory, and door-to-balloon times in patients with STEMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagger Mawri
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Heart & Vascular Institute, ‡Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI; and §GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI
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15
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Yin WH, Lu TH, Chen KC, Cheng CF, Lee JC, Liang FW, Huang YT, Yang LT. The temporal trends of incidence, treatment, and in-hospital mortality of acute myocardial infarction over 15years in a Taiwanese population. Int J Cardiol 2016; 209:103-13. [PMID: 26889592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The study was conducted to examine the nationwide temporal trends of incidence, treatment, and short-term outcomes for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) over a 15-year period in Taiwan. METHODS We identified patients who were hospitalized for incident AMI between 1997 and 2011 from the inpatient medical claim dataset of the National Health Insurance Research Database. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence and in-hospital mortality rates were calculated for AMI, and separately for ST-segment elevation and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI). RESULTS A total of 144,634 patients were identified. The incidence rates (per 100,000 population) of AMI increased from 30 in 1997 to 42 in 2011, which was mainly driven by the increase of NSTEMI. The in-hospital mortality rate after AMI decreased from 9.1% in 1997 to 6.5% in 2011, which was also driven by the case mortality rate for NSTEMI. Although the in-hospital mortality rates significantly decreased from 7.3% to 5.1% between 1997 and 2003 for STEMI, it did not change significantly from 2004 to 2011. Moreover, AMI patients undergoing revascularization treatment, particularly PCI, was the most important independent predictor for improved in-hospital survival. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated a recent dramatic increase in the incidence rates and a decrease in short-term mortality in patients with NSTEMI; while the incidence and in-hospital morality of STEMI only modestly changed over time in Taiwan. Further quality improvement approaches for AMI prevention and treatment to favorably affect the incidence and outcomes from both major types of AMI are highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsian Yin
- Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-Hsueh Lu
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chun Chen
- Heart Center, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jo-Chi Lee
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Wen Liang
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tung Huang
- Program in Ageing and Long-term Care, Kaohsiuang Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tan Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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16
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Nam J, Caners K, Bowen JM, Welsford M, O'Reilly D. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Benefits of Out-of-Hospital 12-Lead ECG and Advance Notification in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients. Ann Emerg Med 2014; 64:176-86, 186.e1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2013.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Gonzalez AA, Dimick JB, Birkmeyer JD, Ghaferi AA. Understanding the volume-outcome effect in cardiovascular surgery: the role of failure to rescue. JAMA Surg 2014; 149:119-23. [PMID: 24336902 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2013.3649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE To effectively guide interventions aimed at reducing mortality in low-volume hospitals, the underlying mechanisms of the volume-outcome relationship must be further explored. Reducing mortality after major postoperative complications may represent one point along the continuum of patient care that could significantly affect overall hospital mortality. OBJECTIVE To determine whether increased mortality at low-volume hospitals performing cardiovascular surgery is a function of higher postoperative complication rates or of less successful rescue from complications. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS We used patient-level data from 119434 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65 to 99 years undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve repair, or abdominal aortic aneurysm repair between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006. For each operation, we first divided hospitals into quintiles of procedural volume. We then assessed hospital risk-adjusted rates of mortality, major complications, and failure to rescue (ie, case fatality among patients with complications) within each volume quintile. EXPOSURE Hospital procedural volume. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Hospital rates of risk-adjusted mortality, major complications, and failure to rescue. RESULTS For each operation, hospital volume was more strongly related to failure-to-rescue rates than to complication rates. For example, patients undergoing aortic valve replacement at very low-volume hospitals (lowest quintile) were 12% more likely to have a major complication than those at very high-volume hospitals (highest quintile) but were 57% more likely to die if a complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE High-volume and low-volume hospitals performing cardiovascular surgery have similar complication rates but disparate failure-to-rescue rates. While preventing complications is important, hospitals should also consider interventions aimed at quickly recognizing and managing complications once they occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Gonzalez
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago2Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Justin B Dimick
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - John D Birkmeyer
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Amir A Ghaferi
- Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Marconi GP, Chang T, Pham PK, Grajower DN, Nager AL. Traditional nurse triage vs physician telepresence in a pediatric ED. Am J Emerg Med 2013; 32:325-9. [PMID: 24445223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of the study is to compare traditional nurse triage (TNT) in a pediatric emergency department (PED) with physician telepresence (PTP). METHODS This is a prospective 2 × 2 crossover study with random assignment using a sample of walk-in patients seeking care in a PED at a large, tertiary care children's hospital, from May 2012 to January 2013. Outcomes of triage times, documentation errors, triage scores, and survey responses were compared between TNT and PTP. Comparison between PTP to actual treating PED physicians regarding the accuracy of ordering blood and urine tests, throat cultures, and radiologic imaging was also studied. RESULTS Paired samples t tests showed a statistically significant difference in triage time between TNT and PTP (P = .03) but no significant difference in documentation errors (P = .10). Triage scores of TNT were 71% accurate, compared with PTP, which were 95% accurate. Both parents and children had favorable scores regarding PTP, and most indicated that they would prefer PTP again at their next PED visit. Physician telepresence diagnostic ordering was comparable with the actual PED physician ordering, showing no statistical differences. CONCLUSIONS Using PTP technology to remotely perform triage is a feasible alternative to traditional nurse triage, with no clinically significant differences in time, triage scores, errors, and patient and parent satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg P Marconi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
| | - Todd Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Phung K Pham
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Daniel N Grajower
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Alan L Nager
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency and Transport Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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Marcos PJ, Restrepo MI, Sanjuàn P, Ferreira-Gonzalez L, Verea-Hernando H. Community-acquired pneumonia team decreases length of stay in hospitalized, low-risk patients with pneumonia. Hosp Pract (1995) 2013; 41:7-14. [PMID: 23948616 DOI: 10.3810/hp.2013.08.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Team-focused intervention to improve the care of low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a matter of controversy. Our aim was to determine if a community-acquired pneumonia team (CAPT) would shorten hospital length of stay (LOS) and improve health care utilization in low-risk patients with CAP compared with management by a general pulmonary team (GPT). METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study of hospitalized, low-risk patients with CAP (Pneumonia Severity Index [PSI] score class I or II) at a single tertiary hospital from June 2007 to June 2008. Study patients were stratified to management by the CAPT treating group (n = 35), following the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) CAP guideline recommendations, or to management by the GPT (n = 30) following the standard of care. Primary outcome measure for comparison of the efficacy of the 2 different team-focused interventions was hospital LOS for patients with CAP. Secondary study outcome measures included patient 30- and 90-day all-cause readmission rate, rate of mortality at 30 and 90 days, antibiotic-treatment duration, time to switch patient from intravenous (IV) to oral antibiotic treatment, and time to achieve clinical stability for patients. RESULTS Hospitalized, low-risk patients with CAP, who were assisted by a CAPT were more likely to have a shorter hospital stay (9 days less; P < 0.001), shorter time to switch from IV to oral antibiotic therapy (8 days less; P <0.001), and total shorter duration of antibiotic treatment (6 days less; P <0.001), when compared with low-risk patients with CAP who were assisted by a GPT. In addition, for both groups of assisted patients, there were no differences in the time to achieve clinical stability, use of guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy, rate of mortality, or rate of readmissions at 30 and 90 days. CONCLUSIONS Management by a dedicated CAPT reduced patient hospital LOS, time to switch from IV to oral antibiotic therapy, and duration of antibiotic treatment, without causing adverse events, compared with standard of care, in low-risk patients with CAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Marcos
- Pulmonary Medicine Department, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
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Al-Zaiti SS, Shusterman V, Carey MG. Novel technical solutions for wireless ECG transmission & analysis in the age of the internet cloud. J Electrocardiol 2013; 46:540-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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McCabe JM, Armstrong EJ, Ku I, Kulkarni A, Hoffmayer KS, Bhave PD, Waldo SW, Hsue P, Stein JC, Marcus GM, Kinlay S, Ganz P. Physician accuracy in interpreting potential ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction electrocardiograms. J Am Heart Assoc 2013; 2:e000268. [PMID: 24096575 PMCID: PMC3835230 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.113.000268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background With adoption of telemedicine, physicians are increasingly asked to diagnose ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) based on electrocardiograms (ECGs) with minimal associated clinical information. We sought to determine physicians' diagnostic agreement and accuracy when interpreting potential STEMI ECGs. Methods and Results A cross‐sectional survey was performed consisting of 36 deidentified ECGs that had previously resulted in putative STEMI diagnoses. Emergency physicians, cardiologists, and interventional cardiologists participated in the survey. For each ECG, physicians were asked, “based on the ECG above, is there a blocked coronary artery present causing a STEMI?” The reference standard for ascertaining the STEMI diagnosis was subsequent emergent coronary arteriography. Responses were analyzed with generalized estimating equations to account for nested and repeated measures. One hundred twenty‐four physicians interpreted a total of 4392 ECGs. Among all physicians, interreader agreement (kappa) for ECG interpretation was 0.33, reflecting poor agreement. The sensitivity to identify “true” STEMIs was 65% (95% CI: 63 to 67) and the specificity was 79% (95% CI: 77 to 81). There was a 6% increase in the odds of accurate ECG interpretation for every 5 years of experience since medical school graduation (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.10, P=0.01). After adjusting for experience, there was no significant difference in the odds of accurate interpretation by specialty—Emergency Medicine (reference), General Cardiology (AOR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.2, P=0.80), or Interventional Cardiology physicians (AOR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.7, P=0.15). Conclusions There is significant physician disagreement in interpreting ECGs with features concerning for STEMI. Such ECGs lack the necessary sensitivity and specificity to act as a suitable “stand‐alone” diagnostic test.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M McCabe
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, CO
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