1
|
Gómez-Palomo JM, Martínez-Crespo A, Víquez-da Silva R, Del Llano-Señarís JE, Zamora-Navas P. [Influence of medical outliers in patients with femoral neck fracture]. J Healthc Qual Res 2022; 37:390-396. [PMID: 35654723 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhqr.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective is to describe and analyze how outlier admission influences hospital stay and the appearance of complications in patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHOD A historical cohort study was carried out in which the group of patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck who had an outlier admission was defined as an exposed cohort, that is, they were admitted to a hospitalization area not belonging to the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology department, unlike the unexposed cohort, that included patients admitted to a hospitalization area assigned to the Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology department. RESULTS Outlier admission was a risk factor for requiring a postoperative transfusion (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05-2.21; P=.035), to have a postoperative stay longer than 5 days (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.74; P=.038) and to suffer general postoperative complications (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.78; P=.048). CONCLUSIONS Outlier admission is a threat to the quality and safety of health care. In patients over 80 years of age, medical outliers is a risk factor for postoperative transfusion and systemic postoperative complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M Gómez-Palomo
- Unidad de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, España; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, España.
| | - A Martínez-Crespo
- Unidad de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital de Montilla, Montilla, Córdoba, España
| | - R Víquez-da Silva
- Unidad de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, España
| | - J E Del Llano-Señarís
- Fundación Gaspar Casal, Madrid, España; Universidad Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, España
| | - P Zamora-Navas
- Unidad de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, España; Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Málaga, España
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
La Regina M, Guarneri F, Romano E, Orlandini F, Nardi R, Mazzone A, Fontanella A, Campanini M, Manfellotto D, Bellandi T, Gussoni G, Tartaglia R, Squizzato A. What Quality and Safety of Care for Patients Admitted to Clinically Inappropriate Wards: a Systematic Review. J Gen Intern Med 2019; 34:1314-1321. [PMID: 31011980 PMCID: PMC6614225 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In countries with public health system, hospital bed reductions and increasing social and medical frailty have led to the phenomenon of "outliers" or "outlying hospital in-patients." They are often medical patients who, because of unavailability of beds in their clinically appropriate ward, are admitted wherever unoccupied beds are. The present work is aimed to systematically review literature about quality and safety of care for patients admitted to clinically inappropriate wards. METHODS We performed a systematic review of studies investigating outliers, published in peer-reviewed journals with no time restrictions. Search and screening were conducted by two independent researchers (MLR and ER). Studies were considered potentially eligible for this systematic review if aimed to assess the quality and/or the safety of care for patients admitted to clinically inappropriate units. Our search was supplemented by a hand search of references of included studies. Given the heterogeneity of studies, results were analyzed thematically. We used PRISMA guidelines to report our findings. RESULTS We collected 17 eligible papers and grouped them into six thematic categories. Despite their methodological limits, the included studies show increased trends in mortality and readmissions among outliers. Quality of care and patient safety are compromised as patients and health professionals declare and risk analysis displays. Reported solutions are often multicomponent, stress early discharge but have not been investigated in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Published literature cannot definitely conclude on the quality and safety of care for patients admitted to clinically inappropriate wards. As they may represent a serious threat for quality and safety, and moreover often neglected and under valued, well-designed and powered prospective studies are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Guarneri
- Laboratorio Management e Sanita`, Institute of Management of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Romano
- SS Risk Management, ASL5 Liguria, La Spezia, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonino Mazzone
- Dipartimento Medico Ospedale di Legnano, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale Ovest Milanese, Legnano, MI, Italy
| | - Andrea Fontanella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Ospedale del Buonconsiglio - Fatebenefratelli Napoli, Naples, NA, Italy
| | - Mauro Campanini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Azienda Ospedaliera Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Dario Manfellotto
- UO Medicina Interna, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Bellandi
- Centro Gestione Rischio Clinico Regione Toscana, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandro Squizzato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Analysis of frequency, type of complications and economic costs of outlying patients in general and digestive surgery. Cir Esp 2019; 97:282-288. [PMID: 30755299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ciresp.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The shortage of available beds and the increase in Emergency Department pressure can cause some patients to be admitted in wards with available beds assigned to other services (outlying patients). The aim of this study is to assess the frequency, types of complications and costs of outlying patients. METHODS Using a retrospective cohort model, we analysed the 2015 general and digestive surgery records (source: Minimum Basic Data Set and economic database). After selecting all outlying patients, we compared the complications, length of stay, costs and consequences of complications against a randomized sample of non-outlying patients with the same DRG and date of episode for every outlying patient, obtaining one non-outlying patient for each selected outlying patient. Thirteen outlying patients with no non-outlying patient pair were excluded from the study. RESULTS From a total of 2,915 patients, 363 (12.45%) were outlying patients. A total of 350 outlying patients were analysed versus 350 non-outlying patients. There were no significant differences in complications (9.4 vs. 8.3%), length of stay (4.33 vs. 4.65 days) or costs (€3,034.12 vs. €3,223.27). Outlying patients men presented a significantly higher risk of complications compared to women (RR=2.10). Outlying patients presented complications after 2.5 or more days. CONCLUSIONS When outlying admissions become necessary, the selection of patients with less complex pathologies does not increase complications or their consequences (ICU admissions, readmissions, reoperations or mortality), hospital stays or costs. Only in cases of prolonged outlying stays of more than 2.5 days, or in males, may more complications appear. Therefore, male outliers should be avoided in general, and patients should be transferred to the proper ward if a length of stay beyond 2.5 days is foreseen.
Collapse
|
4
|
Stylianou N, Fackrell R, Vasilakis C. Are medical outliers associated with worse patient outcomes? A retrospective study within a regional NHS hospital using routine data. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015676. [PMID: 28490563 PMCID: PMC5588983 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the quality and safety of patients' healthcare provision by identifying whether being a medical outlier is associated with worse patient outcomes. A medical outlier is a hospital inpatient who is classified as a medical patient for an episode within a spell of care and has at least one non-medical ward placement within that spell. DATA SOURCES Secondary data from the Patient Administration System of a district general hospital were provided for the financial years 2013/2014-2015/2016. The data included 71 038 medical patient spells for the 3-year period. STUDY DESIGN This research was based on a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study design. Multivariate logistic regression and zero-truncated negative binomial regression were used to explore patient outcomes (in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, readmissions and length of stay (LOS)) while adjusting for several confounding factors. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Univariate analysis indicated that an outlying medical in-hospital patient has higher odds for readmission, double the odds of staying longer in the hospital but no significant difference in the odds of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Multivariable analysis indicates that being a medical outlier does not affect mortality outcomes or readmission, but it does prolong LOS in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS After adjusting for other factors, medical outliers are associated with an increased LOS while mortality or readmissions are not worse than patients treated in appropriate specialty wards. This is in line with existing but limited literature that such patients experience worse patient outcomes. Hospitals may need to revisit their policies regarding outlying patients as increased LOS is associated with an increased likelihood of harm events, worse quality of care and increased healthcare costs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neophytos Stylianou
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation & Improvement (CHI2), School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - Robin Fackrell
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
| | - Christos Vasilakis
- Centre for Healthcare Innovation & Improvement (CHI2), School of Management, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A review of inpatient ward location and the relationship to Medical Emergency Team calls. Int Emerg Nurs 2016; 31:52-57. [PMID: 26970906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the relationship between in-hospital location and patient outcomes as measured by Medical Emergency Team calls. STUDY DESIGN A narrative systematic review of the literature. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of the literature was conducted in October 2014 using the electronic databases: Embase, Cochrane, Medline, CINAHL, Science Direct and Google Scholar for the most recent literature from 1997 to 2014. INCLUSION CRITERIA Non-randomised study designs such as case control or cohort studies were eligible. Articles were selected independently by two researchers using a predetermined selection criterion. DATA SYNTHESIS The screening process removed manuscripts that did not meet the inclusion criteria resulting in an empty review with one manuscript meeting most of the criteria for inclusion. The protocol was revised to a narrative synthesis including a broader scope of studies. The search strategy was expanded and modified to include manuscripts of any study design that comprise both inlier and outlier patients. Two manuscripts were selected for the narrative synthesis. CONCLUSION Two recently published studies investigated the incidence of MET calls for outlier patients, and whilst MET calls were increased in outlier hospital patients, definitive conclusions associated with patient outcomes cannot be made at this time due to paucity of studies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Goulding L, Adamson J, Watt I, Wright J. Lost in hospital: a qualitative interview study that explores the perceptions of NHS inpatients who spent time on clinically inappropriate hospital wards. Health Expect 2013; 18:982-94. [PMID: 23611442 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research suggests that the placement of patients on clinically inappropriate hospital wards may increase the risk of experiencing patient safety issues. OBJECTIVE To explore patients' perspectives of the quality and safety of the care received during their inpatient stay on a clinically inappropriate hospital ward. DESIGN Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Nineteen patients who had spent time on at least one clinically inappropriate ward during their hospital stay at a large NHS teaching hospital in England. RESULTS Patients would prefer to be treated on the correct specialty ward, but it is generally accepted that this may not be possible. When patients are placed on inappropriate wards, they may lack a sense of belonging. Participants commented on potential failings in communication, medical staff availability, nurses' knowledge and the resources available, each of which may contribute to unsafe care. CONCLUSIONS Patients generally acknowledge the need for placement on inappropriate wards due to demand for inpatient beds, but may report dissatisfaction in terms of preference and belonging. Importantly, patients recount issues resulting from this placement that may compromise their safety. Hospital managers should be encouraged to appreciate this insight and potential threat to safe practice and where possible avoid inappropriate ward transfers and admissions. Where such admissions are unavoidable, staff should take action to address the gaps in safety of care that have been identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Goulding
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK
| | - Joy Adamson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK
| | - Ian Watt
- Department of Health Sciences/Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stowell A, Claret PG, Sebbane M, Bobbia X, Boyard C, Genre Grandpierre R, Moreau A, de La Coussaye JE. Hospital out-lying through lack of beds and its impact on care and patient outcome. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2013; 21:17. [PMID: 23497699 PMCID: PMC3616843 DOI: 10.1186/1757-7241-21-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When medical wards become saturated, the common practice is to resort to outlying patients in another ward until a bed becomes free. Objectives Compare the quality of care provided for inpatients who are outlying (O) in inappropriate wards because of lack of vacant beds in appropriate specialty wards to the care given to non outlying (NO) patients. Methods We propose a matched-pair cluster study. The exposed group consisted of inpatients that were outliers in inappropriate wards because of lack of available beds. Non-exposed subjects (the control group) were those patients who were hospitalized in the ward that corresponded to the reason for their admission. Each patient of the exposed group was matched to a specific control subject. The principal objective was to prospectively measure differences in the length of hospital stays, the secondary objectives were to assess mortality, rate of re-admission at 28 days, and rate of transfer into intensive care. Results 238 were included in the NO group, 245 in the O group. More patients in the O group (86% vs 76%) were transferred into a ward with prescription completed. O patients remained in hospital for 8 days [4-15] vs 7 days [4-13] for NO patients (p = 0.04). 124 (52%) of the NO patients received heparin-based thromboembolic prevention during their stay in hospital vs 104 (42%) of the O patient group (p = 0.03). 66 (27%) O patients were re-admitted to hospital within 28 days vs 40 (17%) NO patients (p = 0.008). Conclusion O patients had a worse prognosis than NO patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stowell
- Structure des urgences, CHU de Nîmes, place du Professeur Debré, Nîmes, 30029, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lloyd JM, Martin R, Rajagopolan S, Zieneh N, Hartley R. An innovative and cost-effective way of managing ankle fractures prior to surgery--home therapy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2010; 92:615-8. [PMID: 20678308 DOI: 10.1308/003588410x12699663904358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankle fractures are common injuries affecting all age groups and constitute a large proportion of the orthopaedic trauma case load. Patients are usually admitted directly to the ward from the emergency department and a large number of bed-days are spent waiting for the ankle swelling to subside prior to surgery. We audited current practice and then implemented a home therapy programme (HTP). The purpose of the study was to assess the pioneering HTP with respect to cost effectiveness, length of stay and patient satisfaction. PATIENTS AND METHODS If HTP criteria were met, patients with reduced, unstable ankle fractures were taught safe mobilisation by physiotherapists in the emergency department. They were then discharged home to ice and elevate their ankle in a plaster backslab. A provisional operation date was allocated on discharge. They were admitted to hospital the day of surgery and then discharged home when safe and comfortable. RESULTS Forty-three consecutive patients met our inclusion criteria and underwent surgical fixation of unstable ankle fractures over a 3-month period (February-April 2008). The average length of hospital stay was 8 days (range, 1-18 days), 4.5 days pre-operatively and 3.5 days postoperatively. Patients were frustrated and dissatisfied with the whole process. In total, 177 patients underwent surgical fixation of unstable ankle fractures over an 11-month period (November 2008 to October 2009) and, of these, 59 met the home therapy criteria. The average length of hospital stay was 2.4 days, 1 day pre-operatively (range, 0-4 days) and 1.4 days postoperatively (range, 0-5 days). All HTP patients expressed satisfaction with the process. Over the course of the HTP, 354 bed-days were saved which equates to a saving of £81,774. The annual estimated cost saving is £90,000. CONCLUSIONS The home therapy programme has proved effective in reducing hospital stay both pre- and postoperatively. It is cost-effective and well received by patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M Lloyd
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
|