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Pines JM, Black BS, Cirillo LA, Kachman M, Nikolla DA, Moghtahderi A, Oskvarek JJ, Rahman N, Venkatesh A, Venkat A. Payment Innovation in Emergency Care: A Case for Global Clinician Budgets. Ann Emerg Med 2024:S0196-0644(24)00202-6. [PMID: 38691065 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The fee-for-service funding model for US emergency department (ED) clinician groups is increasingly fragile. Traditional fee-for-service payment systems offer no financial incentives to improve quality, address population health, or make value-based clinical decisions. Fee-for-service also does not support maintaining ED capacity to handle peak demand periods. In fee-for-service, clinicians rely heavily on cross-subsidization, where high reimbursement from commercial payors offsets low reimbursement from government payors and the uninsured. Although fee-for-service survived decades of steady cuts in government reimbursement rates, it is increasingly strained because of visit volatility and the effects of the No Surprises Act, which is driving down commercial reimbursement. Financial pressures on ED clinician groups and higher hospital boarding and clinical workloads are increasing workforce attrition. Here, we propose an alternative model to address some of these fundamental issues: an all-payer-funded, voluntary global budget for ED clinician services. If designed and implemented effectively, the model could support robust clinician staffing over the long term, ensure stability in clinical workload, and potentially improve equity in payments. The model could also be combined with population health programs (eg, pre-ED and post-ED telehealth, frequent ED use programs, and other innovations), offering significant payer returns and addressing quality and value. A linked program could also change hospital incentives that contribute to boarding. Strategies exist to test and refine ED clinician global budgets through existing government programs in Maryland and potentially through state-level legislation as a precursor to broader adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M Pines
- Clinical Innovations, US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH; Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC.
| | - Bernard S Black
- Pritzker School of Law and Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Marika Kachman
- Clinical Innovations, US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH
| | - Dhimitri A Nikolla
- Clinical Innovations, US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH; Department of Emergency Medicine, Allegheny Health Network - Saint Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA
| | - Ali Moghtahderi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jonathan J Oskvarek
- Clinical Innovations, US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH; Department of Emergency Medicine, Summa Health System, Akron, OH
| | - Nishad Rahman
- Clinical Innovations, US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH
| | - Arjun Venkatesh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Arvind Venkat
- Clinical Innovations, US Acute Care Solutions, Canton, OH; Department of Emergency Medicine, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA
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Savioli G, Gri N, Ceresa IF, Piccioni A, Zanza C, Longhitano Y, Ricevuti G, Daccò M, Esposito C, Candura SM. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: From Occupational Health to Emergency Medicine. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2466. [PMID: 38730995 PMCID: PMC11084260 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a leading cause of accidental poisoning worldwide (both at home and at work), and it is also a cause of suicidal poisoning. Such poisoning can arise following prolonged exposure to low levels of CO or following brief exposure to high concentrations of the gas. In fact, despite exposure limits, high safety standards, and the availability of CO alarms, nearly 50,000 people in the United States visit the emergency department each year due to poisoning. Additionally, CO poisoning in the United States causes up to 500 deaths each year. Despite the widespread nature of this form of poisoning, known about for centuries and whose damage mechanisms have been recognized (or rather hypothesized about) since the 1800s, early recognition, especially of late complications, and treatment remain a medical challenge. A well-designed therapeutic diagnostic process is necessary so that indication for hyperbaric or normobaric therapy is correctly made and so that patients are followed up even after acute exposure to diagnose late complications early. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider that in the setting of emergency medicine, CO poisoning can be part of a differential diagnosis along with other more frequent conditions, making its recognition difficult. The last thirty years have been marked by a significant increase in knowledge regarding the toxicity of CO, as well as its functioning and its importance at physiological concentrations in mammalian systems. This review, taking into account the significant progress made in recent years, aims to reconsider the pathogenicity of CO, which is not trivially just poisonous to tissues. A revision of the paradigm, especially as regards treatment and sequelae, appears necessary, and new studies should focus on this new point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Savioli
- Emergency Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicole Gri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell’Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162 Milano, Italy;
| | - Iride Francesca Ceresa
- Emergency Department and Internal Medicine, Istituti Clinici di Pavia e Vigevano—Gruppo San Donato, 27029 Vigevano, Italy;
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Polyclinic Agostino Gemelli/IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Zanza
- Geriatric Medicine Residency Program, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA;
- Department of Emergency Medicine—Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Humanitas University—Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Ricevuti
- Emergency Medicine, School of Pharmacy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Daccò
- ATS Pavia, Continuità Assistenziale, Via Teodoro Lovati, 45, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ciro Esposito
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, ICS Maugeri, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefano M. Candura
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Shang M, Zheng G, Li Z, Liu Q, Lin L, Li Y, Wu Y, Wei Q. Reducing the length of stay for patients stranded in the emergency department: A single-center prospective study of 18,631 patients in China. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37427. [PMID: 38457598 PMCID: PMC10919490 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to reduce the length of stay (LOS) for patients stranded in the emergency department (ED) of a Grade III A hospital in China, and to improve patient flow and increase bed capacity. We utilized a pre-/postintervention design and employed the Six Sigma methodology, which is based on the DMAIC cycle (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control), to evaluate and improve the existing process. Data from 18,631 patients who were stranded in the ED were collected and analyzed. The median LOS for stranded patients decreased from 17.21 (6.22, 27.36) hours to 13.45 (5.56, 25.85) hours (P < .05). Similarly, the median LOS for admitted patients decreased from 19.64 (7.77, 27.68) hours to 15.92 (6.19, 26.24) hours (P < .05). The median LOS for patients with an ED triage Level IV decreased from 16.15 (5.80, 26.62) hours to 12.59 (5.20, 24.97) hours (P < .05). In addition, the average hospitalization days of hospitalized patients decreased from 0.92 days to 0.82 days (P < .05). Furthermore, the bed utilization rate increased from 66.79% to 72.29% (P < .05). The number of bed turnovers in the ED resuscitation room increased from 20.30 to 21.96 (P < .05). We had effectively met our goal of minimizing ED patient LOS. Six Sigma method can effectively shorten patient LOS by measuring and analyzing the key factors affecting patient LOS, and by implementing measures such as strict implementation of emergency classification and triage system, establishment of multidisciplinary cooperative team, reasonable allocation of human resources, information management of bed resources, and improvement of performance appraisal scheme to improve and control the effectiveness of patient LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Shang
- Public Health School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guifang Zheng
- Public Health School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Public Health School, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Emergency Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Emergency Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yueping Li
- Library, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Medical Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qin Wei
- Medical Department, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Jakl M, Berkova J, Veleta T, Palicka V, Polcarova P, Smetana J, Grenar P, Cermakova M, Vanek J, Horacek JM, Koci J. Rapid triage and transfer system for patients with proven Covid-19 at emergency department. J Appl Biomed 2024; 22:59-65. [PMID: 38505971 DOI: 10.32725/jab.2024.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a viral disease notorious for frequent worldwide outbreaks. It is difficult to control, thereby resulting in overload of the healthcare system. A possible solution to prevent overcrowding is rapid triage of patients, which makes it possible to focus care on the high-risk patients and minimize the impact of crowding on patient prognosis. METHODS The triage algorithm assessed self-sufficiency, oximetry, systolic blood pressure, and the Glasgow coma scale. Compliance with the triage protocol was defined as fulfillment of all protocol steps, including assignment of the correct level of care. Triage was considered successful if there was no change in the scope of care (e.g., unscheduled hospital admission, transfer to different level of care) or if there was unexpected death within 48 hours. RESULTS A total of 929 patients were enrolled in the study. Triage criteria were fulfilled in 825 (88.8%) patients. Within 48 hours, unscheduled hospital admission, transfer to different level of care, or unexpected death occurred in 56 (6.0%), 6 (0.6%), and 5 (0.5%) patients, respectively. The risk of unscheduled hospital admission or transfer to different level of care was significantly increased if triage criteria were not fulfilled [13.1% vs. 76.1%, RR 5.8 (3.8-8.3), p < 0.001; 0.5% vs. 5.2%, RR 11.4 (2.3-57.7), p = 0.036, respectively]. CONCLUSION The proposed algorithm for triage of patients with proven COVID-19 is a simple, fast, and reliable tool for rapid sorting for outpatient treatment, hospitalization on a standard ward, or assignment to an intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Jakl
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Berkova
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Veleta
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Palicka
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove and University Hospital, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Polcarova
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Smetana
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Epidemiology, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Grenar
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Cermakova
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vanek
- University of Hradec Kralove, Faculty of Science, Centre of Advanced Technology, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan M Horacek
- University of Defence, Military Faculty of Medicine, Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaromir Koci
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Department of Emergency Medicine, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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Savioli G, Ceresa IF, Bressan MA, Bavestrello Piccini G, Novelli V, Cutti S, Ricevuti G, Esposito C, Longhitano Y, Piccioni A, Boudi Z, Venturi A, Fuschi D, Voza A, Leo R, Bellou A, Oddone E. Geriatric Population Triage: The Risk of Real-Life Over- and Under-Triage in an Overcrowded ED: 4- and 5-Level Triage Systems Compared: The CREONTE (Crowding and R E Organization National TriagE) Study. J Pers Med 2024; 14:195. [PMID: 38392628 PMCID: PMC10890089 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Elderly patients, when they present to the emergency department (ED) or are admitted to the hospital, are at higher risk of adverse outcomes such as higher mortality and longer hospital stays. This is mainly due to their age and their increased fragility. In order to minimize this already increased risk, adequate triage is of foremost importance for fragile geriatric (>75 years old) patients who present to the ED. The admissions of elderly patients from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 were examined, taking into consideration the presence of two different triage systems, a 4-level (4LT) and a 5-level (5LT) triage system. This study analyzes the difference in wait times and under- (UT) and over-triage (OT) in geriatric and general populations with two different triage models. Another outcome of this study was the analysis of the impact of crowding and its variables on the triage system during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 423,257 ED presentations were included. An increase in admissions of geriatric, more fragile, and seriously ill individuals was observed, and a progressive increase in crowding was simultaneously detected. Geriatric patients, when presenting to the emergency department, are subject to the problems of UT and OT in both a 4LT system and a 5LT system. Several indicators and variables of crowding increased, with a net increase in throughput and output factors, notably the length of stay (LOS), exit block, boarding, and processing times. This in turn led to an increase in wait times and an increase in UT in the geriatric population. It has indeed been shown that an increase in crowding results in an increased risk of UT, and this is especially true for 4LT compared to 5LT systems. When observing the pandemic period, an increase in admissions of older and more serious patients was observed. However, in the pandemic period, a general reduction in waiting times was observed, as well as an increase in crowding indices and intrahospital mortality. This study demonstrates how introducing a 5LT system enables better flow and patient care in an ED. Avoiding UT of geriatric patients, however, remains a challenge in EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Savioli
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Iride Francesca Ceresa
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Bressan
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Viola Novelli
- Medical Direction, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Cutti
- Medical Direction, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Esposito
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ICS Maugeri, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Residency Program in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Emergency Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Zoubir Boudi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr Sulaiman Alhabib Hospital, Dubai 2542, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alessandro Venturi
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Bureau of the Presidency, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Damiano Fuschi
- Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Voza
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Leo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Abdelouahab Bellou
- Global Network on Emergency Medicine, Brookline, MA 02446, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Sciences in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Enrico Oddone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit (UOOML), ICS Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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6
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Bonfichi A, Ceresa IF, Piccioni A, Zanza C, Longhitano Y, Boudi Z, Esposito C, Savioli G. A Lethal Combination of Delirium and Overcrowding in the Emergency Department. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6587. [PMID: 37892725 PMCID: PMC10607343 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Delirium is a common public health concern that significantly impacts older patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). This condition is linked to adverse outcomes such as reduced long-term functionality, higher mortality rates, extended hospital stays, and increased medical costs. The identification of risk factors is crucial for the early recognition and management of delirium in ED patients. Aging, cognitive decline, polypharmacy, and sensory impairment are some of the most common general risk factors described in the literature. Although validated delirium assessment tools already exist, they are not practical for the fast-paced ED environment because of their extended evaluation period or specialized training request. Moreover, clear guidance is needed to select the most suitable tool for detecting delirium, balancing between the accuracy and the swiftness required in an overcrowded, high-stress, and understaffed healthcare setting. This narrative review aims to analyze the updated literature on delirium risk factors in older ED patients and focuses on the methods for better screening, managing, and treating this condition in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bonfichi
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Iride Francesca Ceresa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Humanitas University-Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.F.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Christian Zanza
- Italian Society of Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (SIS-118), 74121 Taranto, Italy;
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Humanitas University-Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; (I.F.C.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Zoubir Boudi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr Sulaiman Alhabib Hospital, Dubai 2542, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ciro Esposito
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ICS Maugeri, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Savioli
- Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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7
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Saviano A, Zanza C, Longhitano Y, Ojetti V, Franceschi F, Bellou A, Voza A, Ceresa IF, Savioli G. Current Trends for Delirium Screening within the Emergency Department. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1634. [PMID: 37763753 PMCID: PMC10537118 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Delirium is an acute neurological disorder that involves attention and cognition. It is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality among older people (>65 years old). In the context of the Emergency Department (ED), it is frequently experienced by patients but often not recognized. Literature studies have identified some screening instruments for an initial evaluation of delirium. Most of these tools have not been validated yet in the context of emergencies, but, in other settings, they were very useful for assessing and maximizing the recognition of this condition among older patients. We conducted a review of the literature, including randomized control trials, clinical and observational studies, and research studies published in recent years, confirming that most of the screening tools for delirium used in the intensive care unit (ICU) or the geriatric department have not been tested in the ED, and the ideal timing and form of the delirium assessment process for older adults have not been defined yet. The aim of our review is to summarize the updated evidence about the screening tools for delirium in the context of the ED, due to the fact that overcrowding of the ED and the stressful condition of emergency situations (that contribute to the onset of delirium) could expose older patients to a high risk of complications and mortality if delirium is not promptly recognized. In conclusion, we support the evidence that delirium is a current and real condition that emergency physicians have to face daily, and we are aware that more research is needed to explore this field in order to improve the overall outcomes of older patients admitted to the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Saviano
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Zanza
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Italian Society of Prehospital Emergency Medicine (SIS 118), 74121 Taranto, Italy
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Italian Society of Prehospital Emergency Medicine (SIS 118), 74121 Taranto, Italy
| | - Veronica Ojetti
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Franceschi
- Institute of Sciences in Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Abdelouahab Bellou
- Institute of Sciences in Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Antonio Voza
- Emergency Department, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Iride Francesca Ceresa
- Emergency Room and Internal Medicine, Istituti Clinici di Pavia e Vigevano, Gruppo San Donato, 27029 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Savioli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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8
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Gri N, Longhitano Y, Zanza C, Monticone V, Fuschi D, Piccioni A, Bellou A, Esposito C, Ceresa IF, Savioli G. Acute Oncologic Complications: Clinical-Therapeutic Management in Critical Care and Emergency Departments. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:7315-7334. [PMID: 37623012 PMCID: PMC10453099 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30080531] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. It is now known that cancer is a major public health problem; on the other hand, it is less known, or rather, often underestimated, that a significant percentage of cancer patients will experience a cancer-related emergency. These conditions, depending on the severity, may require treatment in intensive care or in the emergency departments. In addition, it is not uncommon for a tumor pathology to manifest itself directly, in the first instance, with a related emergency. The emergency unit proves to be a fundamental and central unit in the management of cancer patients. Many cancer cases are diagnosed in the first instance as a result of symptoms that lead the patient's admittance into the emergency room. Materials and Methods. This narrative review aims to analyze the impact of acute oncological cases in the emergency setting and the role of the emergency physician in their management. A search was conducted over the period January 1981-April 2023 using the main scientific platforms, including PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase and Google scholar, and 156 papers were analyzed. Results. To probe into the main oncological emergencies and their management in increasingly overcrowded emergency departments, we analyzed the following acute pathologies: neurological emergencies, metabolic and endocrinological emergencies, vascular emergencies, malignant effusions, neutropenic fever and anemia. Discussion/Conclusions. Our analysis found that a redefinition of the emergency department connected with the treatment of oncology patients is necessary, considering not only the treatment of the oncological disease in the strict sense, but also the comorbidities, the oncological emergencies and the palliative care setting. The need to redesign an emergency department that is able to manage acute oncological cases and end of life appears clear, especially when this turns out to be related to severe effects that cannot be managed at home with integrated home care. In conclusion, a redefinition of the paradigm appears mandatory, such as the integration between the various specialists belonging to oncological medicine and the emergency department. Therefore, our work aims to provide what can be a handbook to detect, diagnose and treat oncological emergencies, hoping for patient management in a multidisciplinary perspective, which could also lead to the regular presence of an oncologist in the emergency room.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gri
- Niguarda Cancer Center, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell’Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Christian Zanza
- Italian Society of Prehospital Emergency Medicine (SIS 118), 74121 Taranto, Italy
| | - Valentina Monticone
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Turin, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, 10043 Orbassano, Italy
| | - Damiano Fuschi
- Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law, School of Law, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Polyclinic Agostino Gemelli/IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Abdelouahab Bellou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Institute of Sciences in Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ciro Esposito
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, ICS Maugeri, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Savioli
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- PhD School in Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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9
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Pearce S, Marchand T, Shannon T, Ganshorn H, Lang E. Emergency department crowding: an overview of reviews describing measures causes, and harms. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:1137-1158. [PMID: 36854999 PMCID: PMC9974385 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03239-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Crowding in Emergency Departments (EDs) has emerged as a global public health crisis. Current literature has identified causes and the potential harms of crowding in recent years. The way crowding is measured has also been the source of emerging literature and debate. We aimed to synthesize the current literature of the causes, harms, and measures of crowding in emergency departments around the world. The review is guided by the current PRIOR statement, and involved Pubmed, Medline, and Embase searches for eligible systematic reviews. A risk of bias and quality assessment were performed for each review, and the results were synthesized into a narrative overview. A total of 13 systematic reviews were identified, each targeting the measures, causes, and harms of crowding in global emergency departments. Key among the results is that the measures of crowding were heterogeneous, even in geographically proximate areas, and that temporal measures are being utilized more frequently. It was identified that many measures are associated with crowding, and the literature would benefit from standardization of these metrics to promote improvement efforts and the generalization of research conclusions. The major causes of crowding were grouped into patient, staff, and system-level factors; with the most important factor identified as outpatient boarding. The harms of crowding, impacting patients, healthcare staff, and healthcare spending, highlight the importance of addressing crowding. This overview was intended to synthesize the current literature on crowding for relevant stakeholders, to assist with advocacy and solution-based decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Pearce
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Tyara Marchand
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tara Shannon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Heather Ganshorn
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Eddy Lang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
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Savioli G, Ceresa IF, Bressan MA, Piccini GB, Varesi A, Novelli V, Muzzi A, Cutti S, Ricevuti G, Esposito C, Voza A, Desai A, Longhitano Y, Saviano A, Piccioni A, Piccolella F, Bellou A, Zanza C, Oddone E. Five Level Triage vs. Four Level Triage in a Quaternary Emergency Department: National Analysis on Waiting Time, Validity, and Crowding-The CREONTE (Crowding and RE-Organization National TriagE) Study Group. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040781. [PMID: 37109739 PMCID: PMC10143416 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Triage systems help provide the right care at the right time for patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs). Triage systems are generally used to subdivide patients into three to five categories according to the system used, and their performance must be carefully monitored to ensure the best care for patients. Materials and Methods: We examined ED accesses in the context of 4-level (4LT) and 5-level triage systems (5LT), implemented from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020. This study assessed the effects of a 5LT on wait times and under-triage (UT) and over-triage (OT). We also examined how 5LT and 4LT systems reflected actual patient acuity by correlating triage codes with severity codes at discharge. Other outcomes included the impact of crowding indices and 5LT system function during the COVID-19 pandemic in the study populations. Results: We evaluated 423,257 ED presentations. Visits to the ED by more fragile and seriously ill individuals increased, with a progressive increase in crowding. The length of stay (LOS), exit block, boarding, and processing times increased, reflecting a net raise in throughput and output factors, with a consequent lengthening of wait times. The decreased UT trend was observed after implementing the 5LT system. Conversely, a slight rise in OT was reported, although this did not affect the medium-high-intensity care area. Conclusions: Introducing a 5LT improved ED performance and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Savioli
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Maria Antonietta Bressan
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondanzione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Angelica Varesi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Viola Novelli
- Health Department, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alba Muzzi
- Health Department, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Cutti
- Health Department, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Ciro Esposito
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, ICS Maugeri, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Voza
- Emergency Department, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Desai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine-AON Antonio, Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15100 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Angela Saviano
- Emergency Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Piccioni
- Emergency Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Piccolella
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine-AON Antonio, Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15100 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Abdel Bellou
- Institute of Sciences in Emergency Medicine, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Christian Zanza
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine-AON Antonio, Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15100 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Enrico Oddone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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McNeilly BP, Lawner BJ, Chizmar TP. The Chronicity of Emergency Department Crowding and Rethinking the Temporal Boundaries of Disaster Medicine. Ann Emerg Med 2023; 81:282-285. [PMID: 36117010 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan P McNeilly
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
| | - Benjamin J Lawner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Timothy P Chizmar
- Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, MD
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12
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Savioli G, Zanza C, Longhitano Y, Nardone A, Varesi A, Ceresa IF, Manetti AC, Volonnino G, Maiese A, La Russa R. Heat-Related Illness in Emergency and Critical Care: Recommendations for Recognition and Management with Medico-Legal Considerations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102542. [PMID: 36289804 PMCID: PMC9599879 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia is an internal body temperature increase above 40.5 °C; normally internal body temperature is kept constant through natural homeostatic mechanisms. Heat-related illnesses occur due to exposure to high environmental temperatures in conditions in which an organism is unable to maintain adequate homeostasis. This can happen, for example, when the organism is unable to dissipate heat adequately. Heat dissipation occurs through evaporation, conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat disease exhibits a continuum of signs and symptoms ranging from minor to major clinical pictures. Minor clinical pictures include cramps, syncope, edema, tetany, and exhaustion. Major clinical pictures include heatstroke and life-threatening heat stroke and typically are expressed in the presence of an extremely high body temperature. There are also some categories of people at greater risk of developing these diseases, due to exposure in particular geographic areas (e.g., hot humid environments), to unchangeable predisposing conditions (e.g., advanced age, young age (i.e., children), diabetes, skin disease with reduced sweating), to modifiable risk factors (e.g., alcoholism, excessive exercise, infections), to partially modifiable risk factors (obesity), to certain types of professional activity (e.g., athletes, military personnel, and outdoor laborers) or to the effects of drug treatment (e.g., beta-blockers, anticholinergics, diuretics). Heat-related illness is largely preventable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Savioli
- Emergency Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Doctoral Program Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Christian Zanza
- Foundation “Ospedale Alba-Bra”, Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, 12060 Verduno, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Foundation “Ospedale Alba-Bra”, Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, 12060 Verduno, Italy
| | - Alba Nardone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Angelica Varesi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Alice Chiara Manetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Volonnino
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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13
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Potter J, Watson D, Gardner A, O'Neill J, Watkins C, Husain I. Virtual First Uses Virtual Emergency Medicine Clinicians as a Health System Entry Point: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022. [PMID: 37276547 PMCID: PMC10402882 DOI: 10.2196/42840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use and acceptance of telemedicine. Simultaneously, emergency departments (EDs) have experienced increased ED boarding. With this acceptance of telemedicine and the weighty increase in patient boarding, we proposed the innovative Virtual First (VF) program to leverage emergency medicine clinicians' (EMCs) ability to triage patients. VF seeks to reduce unnecessary ED visits by connecting patients with EMCs prior to seeking in-person care rather than using traditional ED referral systems. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to investigate how patients' access to EMCs from home via the establishment of VF changed how patients sought care for acute care needs. METHODS VF is a synchronous virtual video visit at a tertiary care academic hospital. VF was staffed by EMCs and enabled full management of patient complaints or, if necessary, referral to the appropriate level of care. Patients self-selected this service as an alternative to seeking in-person care at a primary care provider, urgent care center, or ED. A postvisit convenience sample survey was collected through a phone SMS text message or email to VF users. This is a cross-sectional survey study. The primary outcome measure is based on responses to the question "How would you have sought care if a VF visit was not available to you?" Secondary outcome measures describe valued aspects and criticisms. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS There were 3097 patients seen via VF from July 2021 through May 2022. A total of 176 (5.7%) patients completed the survey. Of these, 87 (49.4%) would have sought care at urgent care centers if VF had not been available. There were 28 (15.9%) patients, 26 (14.8%) patients, and 1 (0.6%) patient that would have sought care at primary care providers, EDs, or other locations, respectively. Interestingly, 34 (19.3%) patients would not have sought care. The most valued aspect of VF was receiving care in the comfort of the home (n=137, 77.8%). For suggested improvements, 58 (33%) patients most commonly included "Nothing" as free text. CONCLUSIONS VF has the potential to restructure how patients seek medical care by connecting EMCs with patients prior to ED arrival. Without the option of VF, 64.2% (113/177) of patients would have sought care at an acute care facility. VF's innovative employment of EMCs allows for acute care needs to be treated virtually if feasible. If not, EMCs understand the local resources to better direct patients to the appropriate site. This has the potential to substantially decrease patient costs because patients are given the appropriate destination for in-person care, reducing the likelihood of the need for transfer and multiple ED visits.
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Pathophysiology and Therapy of High-Altitude Sickness: Practical Approach in Emergency and Critical Care. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11143937. [PMID: 35887706 PMCID: PMC9325098 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11143937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High altitude can be a hostile environment and a paradigm of how environmental factors can determine illness when human biological adaptability is exceeded. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of high-altitude sickness, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatments. The first section of our work defines high altitude and considers the mechanisms of adaptation to it and the associated risk factors for low adaptability. The second section discusses the main high-altitude diseases, highlighting how environmental factors can lead to the loss of homeostasis, compromising important vital functions. Early recognition of clinical symptoms is important for the establishment of the correct therapy. The third section focuses on high-altitude pulmonary edema, which is one of the main high-altitude diseases. With a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of high-altitude diseases, as well as a reasoned approach to environmental or physical factors, we examine the main high-altitude diseases. Such an approach is critical for the effective treatment of patients in a hostile environment, or treatment in the emergency room after exposure to extreme physical or environmental factors.
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Emergency Department Overcrowding: Understanding the Factors to Find Corresponding Solutions. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12020279. [PMID: 35207769 PMCID: PMC8877301 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12020279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is certain and established that overcrowding represents one of the main problems that has been affecting global health and the functioning of the healthcare system in the last decades, and this is especially true for the emergency department (ED). Since 1980, overcrowding has been identified as one of the main factors limiting correct, timely, and efficient hospital care. The more recent COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the accentuation of this phenomenon, which was already well known and of international interest. Considering what would appear to be a trivial definition of overcrowding, it may seem simple for the reader to hypothesize solutions for what seems to be one of the most avoidable problems affecting the hospital system. However, proposing solutions to overcrowding, as well as their implementation, cannot be separated from a correct and precise definition of the issue, which must consider the main causes and aggravating factors. In light of the need of finding solutions that can put an end to hospital overcrowding, this review aims, through a review of the literature, to summarize the triggering factors, as well as the possible solutions that can be proposed.
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Savioli G, Alfano C, Zanza C, Bavestrello Piccini G, Varesi A, Esposito C, Ricevuti G, Ceresa IF. Dysbarism: An Overview of an Unusual Medical Emergency. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:104. [PMID: 35056412 PMCID: PMC8778177 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dysbarism is a general term which includes the signs and symptoms that can manifest when the body is subject to an increase or a decrease in the atmospheric pressure which occurs either at a rate or duration exceeding the capacity of the body to adapt safely. In the following review, we take dysbarisms into account for our analysis. Starting from the underlying physical laws, we will deal with the pathologies that can develop in the most frequently affected areas of the body, as the atmospheric pressure varies when acclimatization fails. Manifestations of dysbarism range from itching and minor pain to neurological symptoms, cardiac collapse, and death. Overall, four clinical pictures can occur: decompression illness, barotrauma, inert gas narcosis, and oxygen toxicity. We will then review the clinical manifestations and illustrate some hints of therapy. We will first introduce the two forms of decompression sickness. In the next part, we will review the barotrauma, compression, and decompression. The last three parts will be dedicated to gas embolism, inert gas narcosis, and oxygen toxicity. Such an approach is critical for the effective treatment of patients in a hostile environment, or treatment in the emergency room after exposure to extreme physical or environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Savioli
- Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- PhD School in Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Alfano
- Emergency Medicine and Surgery, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Christian Zanza
- “Ospedale Alba-Bra Onlus”—Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, 12060 Verduno, Italy;
- Research Training Innovation Infrastructure, Research and Innovation Department, Azienda Ospedaliera SS Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy;
| | | | - Angelica Varesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ciro Esposito
- Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, ICS Maugeri, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Ricevuti
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
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