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Westafer LM, Beck SA, Simon C, Potee B, Soares WE, Schoenfeld EM. Barriers and Facilitators to Harm Reduction for Opioid Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study of People With Lived Experience. Ann Emerg Med 2024; 83:340-350. [PMID: 38180403 PMCID: PMC10960719 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Although an increasing number of emergency departments (ED) offer opioid agonist treatment, naloxone, and other harm reduction measures, little is known about patient perspectives on harm reduction practices delivered in the ED. The objective of this study was to identify patient-focused barriers and facilitators to harm reduction strategies in the ED. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of individuals in Massachusetts diagnosed with opioid use disorder. We developed an interview guide, and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in an iterative process using reflexive thematic analysis. After initial interviews and coding, we triangulated the results among a focus group of 4 individuals with lived experience. RESULTS We interviewed 25 participants with opioid use disorder, 6 recruited from 1 ED and 19 recruited from opioid agonist treatment clinics. Key themes included accessibility of harm reduction supplies, lack of self-care resulting from withdrawal and hopelessness, the impact of stigma on the likelihood of using harm reduction practices, habit and knowledge, as well as the need for user-centered harm reduction interventions. CONCLUSION In this study, people with lived experience discussed the characteristics and need for user-centered harm reduction strategies in the ED that centered on reducing stigma, treatment of withdrawal, and availability of harm reduction materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Westafer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Department for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA.
| | | | - Caty Simon
- National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC; Whose Corner Is It Anyway, Holyoke, MA
| | | | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Department for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Elizabeth M Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Department for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
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Barron R, Mader TJ, Knee A, Wilson D, Wolfe J, Gemme SR, Dybas S, Soares WE. Influence of Patient and Clinician Gender on Emergency Department HEART Scores: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Observational Trial. Ann Emerg Med 2024; 83:123-131. [PMID: 38245227 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2023.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Clinical decision aids can decrease health care disparities. However, many clinical decision aids contain subjective variables that may introduce clinician bias. The HEART score is a clinical decision aid that estimates emergency department (ED) patients' cardiac risk. We sought to explore patient and clinician gender's influence on HEART scores. METHODS In this secondary analysis of a prospective observational trial, we examined a convenience sample of adult ED patients at one institution presenting with acute coronary syndrome symptoms. We compared ED clinician-generated HEART scores with researcher-generated HEART scores blinded to patient gender. The primary outcome was agreement between clinician and researcher HEART scores by patient gender overall and stratified by clinician gender. Analyses used difference-in-difference (DiD) for continuous score and prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted Kappa (PABAK) for binary (low versus moderate/high risk) score comparison. RESULTS All 336 clinician-patient pairs from the original study were included. In total, 47% (158/336) of patients were women, and 52% (174/336) were treated by a woman clinician. The DiD between clinician and researcher HEART scores among men versus women patients was 0.24 (95% CI -0.01 to 0.48). Compared with researchers, men clinicians assigned a higher score to men versus women patients (DiD 0.51 [95% CI 0.16 to 0.87]), whereas women clinicians did not (DiD 0.00 [95% CI -0.33 to 0.33]). Agreement was the highest among women clinicians (PABAK 0.72; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.81) and lowest among men clinicians assessing men patients (PABAK 0.47; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.66). CONCLUSION Patient and clinician gender may influence HEART scores. Researchers should strive to understand these influences in developing and implementing this and other clinical decision aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Barron
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA.
| | - Timothy J Mader
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Alexander Knee
- Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Epidemiology Biostatistics Research Core, Office of Research, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
| | - Donna Wilson
- Epidemiology Biostatistics Research Core, Office of Research, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
| | - Jeannette Wolfe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Seth R Gemme
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | | | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA
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Holland WC, Li F, Nath B, Jeffery MM, Stevens M, Melnick ER, Dziura JD, Khidir H, Skains RM, D’Onofrio G, Soares WE. Racial and ethnic disparities in emergency department-initiated buprenorphine across five health care systems. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:709-720. [PMID: 36660800 PMCID: PMC10467357 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose deaths have disproportionately impacted Black and Hispanic populations, in part due to disparities in treatment access. Emergency departments (EDs) serve as a resource for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), many of whom have difficulty accessing outpatient addiction programs. However, inequities in ED treatment for OUD remain poorly understood. METHODS This secondary analysis examined racial and ethnic differences in buprenorphine access using data from EMBED, a study of 21 EDs across five health care systems evaluating a clinical decision support system for initiating ED buprenorphine. The primary outcome was receipt of buprenorphine, ED administered or prescribed. Hospital type (academic vs. community) was evaluated as an effect modifier. Hierarchical models with cluster effects for site and clinician were used to assess buprenorphine receipt by race and ethnicity. RESULTS Black patients were less likely to receive buprenorphine (6.4% [51/801] vs. White patients 8.5% [268/3154], odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-0.78). This association persisted after adjusting for age, insurance, gender, clinician X-waiver, hospital type, and urbanicity (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.84) but not when discharge diagnosis was included (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.56-1.02). Hispanic patients were more likely to receive buprenorphine (14.8% [122/822] vs. non-Hispanic patients, 11.6% [475/4098]) in unadjusted (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.09-1.83) and adjusted models (aOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.08-1.83) but not including discharge diagnosis (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 0.99-1.77). Odds of buprenorphine were similar in academic and community EDs by race (interaction p = 0.97) and ethnicity (interaction p = 0.64). CONCLUSIONS Black patients with OUD were less likely to receive buprenorphine whereas Hispanic patients were more likely to receive buprenorphine in academic and community EDs. Differences were attenuated with discharge diagnosis, as fewer Black and non-Hispanic patients were diagnosed with opioid withdrawal. Barriers to medication treatment are heterogenous among patients with OUD; research must continue to address the multiple drivers of health inequities at the patient, clinician, and community level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fangyong Li
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Bidisha Nath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Molly M. Jeffery
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Health Care Policy Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Maria Stevens
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Health Care Policy Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward R. Melnick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - James D. Dziura
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hazar Khidir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rachel M. Skains
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Gail D’Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - William E. Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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Church B, Clark R, Mohn W, Potee R, Friedmann P, Soares WE. Methadone Induction for a Patient With Precipitated Withdrawal in the Emergency Department: A Case Report. J Addict Med 2023; 17:367-370. [PMID: 37267195 PMCID: PMC10248191 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the era of illicit fentanyl, reports on difficulties with buprenorphine inductions for patients with opioid use disorder are emerging. Methadone is the only other approved medication treatment with efficacy similar to buprenorphine but without risks of precipitated withdrawal. Unfortunately, outpatient methadone inductions can take days to weeks to complete, due in part to regulations that limit administration to opioid treatment programs. We describe a patient with opioid use disorder who presented to the emergency department in precipitated withdrawal who completed a same-day methadone induction with next-day dosing at an opioid treatment program as part of an emergency department methadone protocol. As opioid-related deaths rise, emergency department-initiated methadone is feasible for patients with opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Church
- From the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA (BC, RC, PF, WES); Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA (WM); Behavioral Health Network, Springfield, MA (RP); Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA (WES)
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Melnick ER, Nath B, Dziura JD, Casey MF, Jeffery MM, Paek H, Soares WE, Hoppe JA, Rajeevan H, Li F, Skains RM, Walter LA, Patel MD, Chari SV, Platts-Mills TF, Hess EP, D'Onofrio G. User centered clinical decision support to implement initiation of buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in the emergency department: EMBED pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2022; 377:e069271. [PMID: 35760423 PMCID: PMC9231533 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a user centered clinical decision support tool versus usual care on rates of initiation of buprenorphine in the routine emergency care of individuals with opioid use disorder. DESIGN Pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial (EMBED). SETTING 18 emergency department clusters across five healthcare systems in five states representing the north east, south east, and western regions of the US, ranging from community hospitals to tertiary care centers, using either the Epic or Cerner electronic health record platform. PARTICIPANTS 599 attending emergency physicians caring for 5047 adult patients presenting with opioid use disorder. INTERVENTION A user centered, physician facing clinical decision support system seamlessly integrated into user workflows in the electronic health record to support initiating buprenorphine in the emergency department by helping clinicians to diagnose opioid use disorder, assess the severity of withdrawal, motivate patients to accept treatment, and complete electronic health record tasks by automating clinical and after visit documentation, order entry, prescribing, and referral. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate of initiation of buprenorphine (administration or prescription of buprenorphine) in the emergency department among patients with opioid use disorder. Secondary implementation outcomes were measured with the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. RESULTS 1 413 693 visits to the emergency department (775 873 in the intervention arm and 637 820 in the usual care arm) from November 2019 to May 2021 were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 5047 patients with opioid use disorder (2787 intervention arm, 2260 usual care arm) under the care of 599 attending physicians (340 intervention arm, 259 usual care arm) for analysis. Buprenorphine was initiated in 347 (12.5%) patients in the intervention arm and in 271 (12.0%) patients in the usual care arm (adjusted generalized estimating equations odds ratio 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 2.43, P=0.58). Buprenorphine was initiated at least once by 151 (44.4%) physicians in the intervention arm and by 88 (34.0%) in the usual care arm (1.83, 1.16 to 2.89, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS User centered clinical decision support did not increase patient level rates of initiating buprenorphine in the emergency department. Although streamlining and automating electronic health record workflows can potentially increase adoption of complex, unfamiliar evidence based practices, more interventions are needed to look at other barriers to the treatment of addiction and increase the rate of initiating buprenorphine in the emergency department in patients with opioid use disorder. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03658642.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward R Melnick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Bidisha Nath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - James D Dziura
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Martin F Casey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Molly M Jeffery
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Division of Health Care Delivery Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Hyung Paek
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Jason A Hoppe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Fangyong Li
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rachel M Skains
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lauren A Walter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Mehul D Patel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Srihari V Chari
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Erik P Hess
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Schoenfeld EM, Westafer LM, Beck SA, Potee BG, Vysetty S, Simon C, Tozloski JM, Girardin AL, Soares WE. "Just give them a choice": Patients' perspectives on starting medications for opioid use disorder in the ED. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:928-943. [PMID: 35426962 PMCID: PMC9378535 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescribed in the emergency department (ED) have the potential to save lives and help people start and maintain recovery. We sought to explore patient perspectives regarding the initiation of buprenorphine and methadone in the ED with the goal of improving interactions and fostering shared decision making (SDM) around these important treatment options. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) regarding ED visits and their experiences with MOUD. The interview guide was based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework, a framework for examining decisional needs and tailoring decisional support, and the research team's experience with MOUD and SDM. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in an iterative process using both the Ottawa Framework and a social-ecological framework. Themes were identified and organized and implications for clinical care were noted and discussed. RESULTS Twenty-six participants were interviewed, seven in person in the ED and 19 via video conferencing software. The majority had tried both buprenorphine and methadone, and almost all had been in an ED for an issue related to opioid use. Participants reported social, pharmacological, and emotional factors that played into their decision making. Regarding buprenorphine, they noted advantages such as its efficacy and logistical ease and disadvantages such as the need to wait to start it (risk of precipitated withdrawal) and that one could not use other opioids while taking it. Additionally, participants felt that: (1) both buprenorphine and methadone should be offered; (2) because "one person's pro is another person's con," clinicians will need to understand the facets of the options; (3) clinicians will need to have these conversations without appearing judgmental; and (4) many patients may not be "ready" for MOUD, but it should still be offered. CONCLUSIONS Although participants were supportive of offering buprenorphine in the ED, many felt that methadone should also be offered. They felt that treatment should be tailored to an individual's needs and circumstances and clarified what factors might be important considerations for people with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
- Department for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
| | - Lauren M. Westafer
- Department of Emergency Medicine UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
- Department for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
| | | | | | - Sravanthi Vysetty
- Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Harrogate Tennessee USA
| | - Caty Simon
- Urban Survivors Union Greensboro North Carolina USA
- Whose Corner Is It Anyway Holyoke Massachusetts USA
| | - Jillian M. Tozloski
- Department of Emergency Medicine UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
| | - Abigail L. Girardin
- Department of Emergency Medicine UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
| | - William E. Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
- Department for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science UMASS Chan Medical School–Baystate Springfield Massachusetts USA
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Jordan J, Coates WC, Gottlieb M, Soares WE, Shah KH, Love JN. The Impact of a Medical Education Research Faculty Development Program on Career Development, Through the Lens of Social Cognitive Career Theory. AEM Educ Train 2021; 5:e10565. [PMID: 34124511 PMCID: PMC8171782 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Medical Education Research Certificate at the Council of Residency Directors in Emergency Medicine (MERC at CORD), a specialized adaptation of the Association of American Medical Colleges MERC program, provides faculty development in education research in emergency medicine. However, its long-term influence on career development remains unknown. Our study explored the impact of MERC at CORD on career development through the lens of social cognitive career (SCC) theory. METHODS This was a prospective qualitative study using a constructivist/interpretivist paradigm to assess long-term career development outcomes. A purposeful randomized stratified sampling strategy of MERC at CORD graduates (2011-2014) ensured diversity of representation (sex, region, number of research publications, and project group leadership). Subjects were invited by e-mail to participate in semistructured phone interviews. Thematic analysis by two independent reviewers followed an iterative process until saturation was reached. RESULTS Twelve graduates were interviewed. All engaged with MERC at CORD early in their careers with minimal previous education research experience. Currently, all hold medical education leadership positions. Graduates had a mean of 19.3 publications (range = 9-43). Themes explaining reasons for participating in MERC at CORD include: desire for education research skills, recommendation of mentors/colleagues, and accessibility. Themes citing the program's value to career development include networking/collaboration, mentorship, informational framework to build upon, and the application of theoretical knowledge through experiential learning. MERC at CORD impacted career development aligning with the core domains of SCC theory including self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and goals. CONCLUSION MERC at CORD enhanced the long-term career development of participants by providing a core knowledge framework in a mentored, experiential learning environment. Participants identified themes aligned with SCC theory as influential in their long-term career advancement in medical education including the development of education research skills, successful completion of education research, career acceleration, promotion, niche development, and formulation of professional goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Jordan
- From theDepartment of Emergency MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Wendy C. Coates
- From theDepartment of Emergency MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- theDepartment of Emergency MedicineRush University Medical CenterChicagoILUSA
| | - William E. Soares
- theDepartment of Emergency MedicineInstitute of Healthcare Delivery and Population ScienceUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School‐BaystateSpringfieldMAUSA
| | - Kaushal H. Shah
- theDepartment of Emergency MedicineWeill Cornell Medical SchoolNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jeffrey N. Love
- and theDepartment of Emergency MedicineGeorge Washington University, and Georgetown UniversityWashingtonDCUSA
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Soares WE, Knee A, Gemme SR, Hambrecht R, Dybas S, Poronsky KE, Mader SC, Mader TJ. A Prospective Evaluation of Clinical HEART Score Agreement, Accuracy, and Adherence in Emergency Department Chest Pain Patients. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 78:231-241. [PMID: 34148661 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The HEART score is a risk stratification aid that may safely reduce chest pain admissions for emergency department patients. However, differences in interpretation of subjective components potentially alters the performance of the score. We compared agreement between HEART scores determined during clinical practice with research-generated scores and estimated their accuracy in predicting 30-day major adverse cardiac events. METHODS We prospectively enrolled adult ED patients with symptoms concerning for acute coronary syndrome at a single tertiary center. ED clinicians submitted their clinical HEART scores during the patient encounter. Researchers then independently interviewed patients to generate a research HEART score. Patients were followed by phone and chart review for major adverse cardiac events. Weighted kappa; unweighted Cohen's kappa; prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK); and test probabilities were calculated. RESULTS From November 2016 to June 2019, 336 patients were enrolled, 261 (77.7%) were admitted, and 30 (8.9%) had major adverse cardiac events. Dichotomized HEART score agreement was 78% (kappa 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 0.58; PABAK 0.57, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.65) with the lowest agreement in the history (72%; WK 0.14, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.22) and electrocardiogram (85%; WK 0.4, 95% CI 0.3 to 0.49) components. Compared with researchers, clinicians had 100% sensitivity (95% CI 88.4% to 100%) (versus 86.7%, 95% CI 69.3% to 96.2%) and 27.8% specificity (95% CI 22.8% to 33.2%) (versus 34.6%, 95% CI 29.3% to 40.3%) for major adverse cardiac events. Four participants with low research HEART scores had major adverse cardiac events. CONCLUSION ED clinicians had only moderate agreement with research HEART scores. Combined with uncertainties regarding accuracy in predicting major adverse cardiac events, we urge caution in the widespread use of the HEART score as the sole determinant of ED disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Soares
- Institute of Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA.
| | - Alex Knee
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA; Epidemiology/Biostatistics Research Core, Office of Research, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
| | - Seth R Gemme
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Ruth Hambrecht
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Advent Health, Tampa, FL
| | - Stacy Dybas
- Institute of Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Kye E Poronsky
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Shelby C Mader
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA
| | - Timothy J Mader
- Institute of Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School‒Baystate, Springfield, MA
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Westafer LM, Soares WE, Salvador D, Medarametla V, Schoenfeld EM. No evidence of increasing COVID-19 in health care workers after implementation of high flow nasal cannula: A safety evaluation. Am J Emerg Med 2021. [PMID: 33059983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.09.086,pubmed:33059983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Initial recommendations discouraged high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in COVID-19 patients, driven by concern for healthcare worker (HCW) exposure. Noting high morbidity and mortality from early invasive mechanical ventilation, we implemented a COVID-19 respiratory protocol employing HFNC in severe COVID-19 and HCW exposed to COVID-19 patients on HFNC wore N95/KN95 masks. Utilization of HFNC increased significantly but questions remained regarding HCW infection rate. METHODS We performed a retrospective evaluation of employee infections in our healthcare system using the Employee Health Services database and unit records of employees tested between March 15, 2020 and May 23, 2020. We assessed the incidence of infections before and after the implementation of the protocol, stratifying by clinical or non-clinical role as well as inpatient COVID-19 unit. RESULTS During the study period, 13.9% (228/1635) of employees tested for COVID-19 were positive. Forty-six percent of infections were in non-clinical staff. After implementation of the respiratory protocol, the proportion of positive tests in clinical staff (41.5%) was not higher than that in non-clinical staff (43.8%). Of the clinicians working in the high-risk COVID-19 unit, there was no increase in infections after protocol implementation compared with clinicians working in COVID-19 units that did not use HFNC. CONCLUSION We found no evidence of increased COVID-19 infections in HCW after the implementation of a respiratory protocol that increased use of HFNC in patients with COVID-19; however, these results are hypothesis generating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Westafer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA.
| | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Doug Salvador
- University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Venkatrao Medarametla
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
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Orlowski MH, Soares WE, Kerrigan KA, Zerden ML. Management of Postabortion Complications for the Emergency Medicine Clinician. Ann Emerg Med 2020; 77:221-232. [PMID: 33341294 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Although induced abortion is generally a safe outpatient procedure, many patients subsequently present to the emergency department, concerned about a postabortion complication. It is helpful for emergency physicians to understand the medications and procedures used in abortion care in the United States to effectively and efficiently triage and treat women presenting with potential complications from an abortion. Furthermore, because many states are experiencing increased abortion restrictions that limit access to care, emergency medicine physicians may encounter more patients presenting after self-managed abortions, which presents additional challenges. This article reviews the epidemiology and background of abortion care, including the range of symptoms and adverse effects that are within the scope of an uncomplicated procedure. This review also offers a comprehensive overview of management of abortion complications, including algorithms for more common complications and descriptions of less common but more severe adverse events. The article concludes with a recognition of the social stigma and legal regulations unique to abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William E Soares
- University of Massachusetts Medical School at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
| | - Kathleen A Kerrigan
- University of Massachusetts Medical School at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
| | - Matthew L Zerden
- Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, Chapel Hill, and WakeMed Health & Hospitals, Raleigh, NC
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Soares WE, Schoenfeld EM, Visintainer P, Elia T, Medarametla V, Schoenfeld DA, Deutsch A, Salvador D, Dietzen D, Tidswell MA, DePergola PA, Marie PS, Westafer LM. Safety Assessment of a Noninvasive Respiratory Protocol for Adults With COVID-19. J Hosp Med 2020; 15:734-738. [PMID: 33231547 PMCID: PMC8034674 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.3548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As evidence emerged supporting noninvasive strategies for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related respiratory distress, we implemented a noninvasive COVID-19 respiratory protocol (NCRP) that encouraged high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and self-proning across our healthcare system. To assess safety, we conducted a retrospective chart review evaluating mortality and other patient safety outcomes after implementation of the NCRP protocol (April 3, 2020, to April 15, 2020) for adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, compared with preimplementation outcomes (March 15, 2020, to April 2, 2020). During the study, there were 469 COVID-19 admissions. Fewer patients underwent intubation after implementation (10.7% [23 of 215]), compared with before implementation (25.2% [64 of 254]) (P < .01). Overall, 26.2% of patients died (24% before implementation vs 28.8% after implementation; P = .14). In patients without a do not resuscitate/do not intubate order prior to admission, mortality was 21.8% before implementation vs 21.9% after implementation. Overall, we found no significant increase in mortality following implementation of a noninvasive respiratory protocol that decreased intubations in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
- Corresponding Author: William E Soares III, MD, MS; ; Telephone: 413-794-6244; Twitter: @BillSoaresIII
| | - Elizabeth M Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Paul Visintainer
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
- Office of Research and the Epidemiology/Biostatistics Research Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Tala Elia
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | | | - David A Schoenfeld
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ashley Deutsch
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Doug Salvador
- Department of Healthcare Quality, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Diane Dietzen
- Department of Healthcare Quality, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Mark A Tidswell
- Department of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Peter A DePergola
- Department of Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Peter St. Marie
- Office of Research and the Epidemiology/Biostatistics Research Core, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren M Westafer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School–Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
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Westafer LM, Soares WE, Salvador D, Medarametla V, Schoenfeld EM. No evidence of increasing COVID-19 in health care workers after implementation of high flow nasal cannula: A safety evaluation. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 39:158-161. [PMID: 33059983 PMCID: PMC7539832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.09.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Initial recommendations discouraged high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in COVID-19 patients, driven by concern for healthcare worker (HCW) exposure. Noting high morbidity and mortality from early invasive mechanical ventilation, we implemented a COVID-19 respiratory protocol employing HFNC in severe COVID-19 and HCW exposed to COVID-19 patients on HFNC wore N95/KN95 masks. Utilization of HFNC increased significantly but questions remained regarding HCW infection rate. Methods We performed a retrospective evaluation of employee infections in our healthcare system using the Employee Health Services database and unit records of employees tested between March 15, 2020 and May 23, 2020. We assessed the incidence of infections before and after the implementation of the protocol, stratifying by clinical or non-clinical role as well as inpatient COVID-19 unit. Results During the study period, 13.9% (228/1635) of employees tested for COVID-19 were positive. Forty-six percent of infections were in non-clinical staff. After implementation of the respiratory protocol, the proportion of positive tests in clinical staff (41.5%) was not higher than that in non-clinical staff (43.8%). Of the clinicians working in the high-risk COVID-19 unit, there was no increase in infections after protocol implementation compared with clinicians working in COVID-19 units that did not use HFNC. Conclusion We found no evidence of increased COVID-19 infections in HCW after the implementation of a respiratory protocol that increased use of HFNC in patients with COVID-19; however, these results are hypothesis generating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Westafer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA.
| | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Doug Salvador
- University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Venkatrao Medarametla
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA; Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
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Jeffery MM, D'Onofrio G, Paek H, Platts-Mills TF, Soares WE, Hoppe JA, Genes N, Nath B, Melnick ER. Trends in Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Admissions in Health Care Systems in 5 States in the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US. JAMA Intern Med 2020; 180:1328-1333. [PMID: 32744612 PMCID: PMC7400214 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.3288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread throughout the US in the early months of 2020, acute care delivery changed to accommodate an influx of patients with a highly contagious infection about which little was known. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in emergency department (ED) visits and visits that led to hospitalizations covering a 4-month period leading up to and during the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 24 EDs in 5 large health care systems in Colorado (n = 4), Connecticut (n = 5), Massachusetts (n = 5), New York (n = 5), and North Carolina (n = 5) examined daily ED visit and hospital admission rates from January 1 to April 30, 2020, in relation to national and the 5 states' COVID-19 case counts. EXPOSURES Time (day) as a continuous variable. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Daily counts of ED visits, hospital admissions, and COVID-19 cases. RESULTS A total of 24 EDs were studied. The annual ED volume before the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from 13 000 to 115 000 visits per year; the decrease in ED visits ranged from 41.5% in Colorado to 63.5% in New York. The weeks with the most rapid rates of decrease in visits were in March 2020, which corresponded with national public health messaging about COVID-19. Hospital admission rates from the ED were stable until new COVID-19 case rates began to increase locally; the largest relative increase in admission rates was 149.0% in New York, followed by 51.7% in Massachusetts, 36.2% in Connecticut, 29.4% in Colorado, and 22.0% in North Carolina. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE From January through April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in the US, temporal associations were observed with a decrease in ED visits and an increase in hospital admission rates in 5 health care systems in 5 states. These findings suggest that practitioners and public health officials should emphasize the importance of visiting the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic for serious symptoms, illnesses, and injuries that cannot be managed in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Jeffery
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,Department of Health Care Policy Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hyung Paek
- Information Technology Services, Yale New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Timothy F Platts-Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
| | - Jason A Hoppe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Nicholas Genes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Bidisha Nath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Edward R Melnick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Jeffery MM, D'Onofrio G, Paek H, Platts-Mills TF, Soares WE, Hoppe JA, Genes N, Nath B, Melnick ER. Trends in Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Admissions in Health Care Systems in 5 States in the First Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US. JAMA Intern Med 2020. [PMID: 32744612 DOI: 10.1101/2020.04.24.20078584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread throughout the US in the early months of 2020, acute care delivery changed to accommodate an influx of patients with a highly contagious infection about which little was known. OBJECTIVE To examine trends in emergency department (ED) visits and visits that led to hospitalizations covering a 4-month period leading up to and during the COVID-19 outbreak in the US. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 24 EDs in 5 large health care systems in Colorado (n = 4), Connecticut (n = 5), Massachusetts (n = 5), New York (n = 5), and North Carolina (n = 5) examined daily ED visit and hospital admission rates from January 1 to April 30, 2020, in relation to national and the 5 states' COVID-19 case counts. EXPOSURES Time (day) as a continuous variable. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Daily counts of ED visits, hospital admissions, and COVID-19 cases. RESULTS A total of 24 EDs were studied. The annual ED volume before the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from 13 000 to 115 000 visits per year; the decrease in ED visits ranged from 41.5% in Colorado to 63.5% in New York. The weeks with the most rapid rates of decrease in visits were in March 2020, which corresponded with national public health messaging about COVID-19. Hospital admission rates from the ED were stable until new COVID-19 case rates began to increase locally; the largest relative increase in admission rates was 149.0% in New York, followed by 51.7% in Massachusetts, 36.2% in Connecticut, 29.4% in Colorado, and 22.0% in North Carolina. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE From January through April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in the US, temporal associations were observed with a decrease in ED visits and an increase in hospital admission rates in 5 health care systems in 5 states. These findings suggest that practitioners and public health officials should emphasize the importance of visiting the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic for serious symptoms, illnesses, and injuries that cannot be managed in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly M Jeffery
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Health Care Policy Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gail D'Onofrio
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hyung Paek
- Information Technology Services, Yale New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Timothy F Platts-Mills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill
| | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield
| | - Jason A Hoppe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora
| | - Nicholas Genes
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Bidisha Nath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Edward R Melnick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Schoenfeld
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate Medical Center, Springfield
| | - Lauren M Westafer
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate Medical Center, Springfield
| | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Institute for Healthcare Delivery and Population Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate Medical Center, Springfield
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Soares WE, Wilson D, Gordon MS, Lee JD, Nunes EV, O’Brien CP, Shroff M, Friedmann PD. Incidence of future arrests in adults involved in the criminal justice system with opioid use disorder receiving extended release naltrexone compared to treatment as usual. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 194:482-486. [PMID: 30522048 PMCID: PMC6354576 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Criminal justice involved (CJS) populations with opioid use disorder (OUD) have high rates of relapse, future arrests, and death upon release. While medication for OUD (MOUD) reduces opioid relapse, concerns regarding diversion and stigma limit treatment in CJS populations. Extended release naltrexone (XR-NTX), as an opioid antagonist, may be more acceptable to CJS administrators. However, the impact of XR-NTX on criminal recidivism remains unknown. METHODS Arrest data from a published randomized trial comparing XR-NTX to treatment as usual (TAU) was captured by self-report and official state arrest records. Comparisons of future arrests, time to first arrest and total number of arrests were performed using chi square tests and multivariable generalized regression models. Secondary outcomes explored differences in arrests by type and severity of crime, use of opioid and other drugs, and study phase. RESULTS Of 308 participants randomized, 300 had arrest data. The incidence of arrests did not differ between XR-NTX (47.6%) and TAU (42.5%) participants. (ChiSq p = 0.37). Additionally, there was no significant difference in time to first arrest (adjusted HR 1.35, CI 0.96-1.89) and number of arrests per participant (adjusted IR 1.33, CI 0.78-2.27). Controlling for gender, age, previous criminal activity, and use of non-opioid drugs, logistic regression demonstrated no significant difference in incidence of arrests between groups (adjusted OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.85-2.22). CONCLUSIONS We detected no significant difference in arrests between CJS participants with OUD randomized to XR-NTX or TAU. Despite its efficacy in reducing opioid use, XR-NTX alone may be insufficient to reduce criminal recidivism.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, 3601 Main St., Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
| | - Donna Wilson
- Department of Biostatistics, Baystate Medical Center, 3601 Main St., Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
| | | | - Joshua D. Lee
- Department of Population Health, New York University, 227 E. 30th St., New York, NY 10016,
| | - Edward V. Nunes
- Columbia University Medical Center, 617 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10024,
| | - Charles P. O’Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Behavior Health, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA,
| | - Milvin Shroff
- Stony Brook University, 100 Nicolls Rd., Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States.
| | - Peter D. Friedmann
- Department of Academic Affairs, Baystate Medical Center, 3601 Main St., Springfield, MA 01199,
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Soares WE, Price LL, Prast B, Tarbox E, Mader TJ, Blanchard R. Accuracy Screening for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Task-switching Simulation. West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:177-184. [PMID: 30643622 PMCID: PMC6324702 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2018.10.39962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interruptions in the emergency department (ED) are associated with clinical errors, yet are important when providing care to multiple patients. Screening triage electrocardiograms (ECG) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a critical interrupting task that emergency physicians (EP) frequently encounter. To address interruptions such as ECG interpretation, many EPs engage in task switching, pausing their primary task to address an interrupting task. The impact of task switching on clinical errors in interpreting screening ECGs for STEMI remains unknown. METHODS Resident and attending EPs were invited to participate in a crossover simulation trial. Physicians first completed a task-switching simulation in which they viewed patient presentations interrupted by clinical tasks, including screening ECGs requiring immediate interpretation before resuming the patient presentation. Participants then completed an uninterrupted simulation in which patient presentations and clinical tasks were completed sequentially without interruption. The primary outcome was accuracy of ECG interpretation for STEMI during task switching and uninterrupted simulations. RESULTS Thirty-five participants completed the study. We found no significant difference in accuracy of ECG interpretation for STEMI (task switching 0.89, uninterrupted 0.91, paired t-test p=0.21). Attending physician status (odds ratio [OR] [2.56], confidence interval [CI] [1.66-3.94], p<0.01) and inferior STEMI (OR [0.08], CI [0.04-0.14], p<0.01) were associated with increased and decreased odds of correct interpretation, respectively. Low self-reported confidence in interpretation was associated with decreased odds of correct interpretation in the task-switching simulation, but not in the uninterrupted simulation (interaction p=0.02). CONCLUSION In our simulation, task switching was not associated with overall accuracy of ECG interpretation for STEMI. However, odds of correct interpretation decreased with inferior STEMI ECGs and when participants self-reported low confidence when interrupted. Our study highlights opportunities to improve through focused ECG training, as well as self-identification of "high-risk" screening ECGs prone to error during interrupted clinical workflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E. Soares
- University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Lori L. Price
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts Medical Center and Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brendan Prast
- University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Academic Affairs, Springfield Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Tarbox
- University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Academic Affairs, Springfield Massachusetts
| | - Timothy J. Mader
- University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Rebecca Blanchard
- University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Academic Affairs, Springfield Massachusetts
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Soares WE, Wilson D, Rathlev N, Lee JD, Gordon M, Nunes EV, O'Brien CP, Friedmann PD. Healthcare utilization in adults with opioid dependence receiving extended release naltrexone compared to treatment as usual. J Subst Abuse Treat 2017; 85:66-69. [PMID: 28576389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorders have reached epidemic proportions, with overdose now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Extended release naltrexone (XR-NTX) has emerged as a medication treatment that reduces opioid use and craving. However, the effect of XR-NTX therapy on acute healthcare utilization, including emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations, remains uncertain. The objective of the current study is to evaluate hospital-based healthcare resource utilization in adults involved in the criminal justice system with a history of opioid use disorder randomized to XR-NTX therapy compared with treatment as usual (TAU) during a 6-month treatment phase and 12months post-treatment follow up. METHODS This retrospective exploratory analysis uses data collected in a published randomized trial. Comparisons of the number of emergency department visits and hospital admissions (for drug detox, psychiatric care and other medical reasons) were performed using chi square tests for any admission and negative binomial models for number of admissions. RESULTS Of the 308 participants randomized, 96% had utilization data (76% complete 6months, 67% complete follow up). No significant differences were seen in overall healthcare utilization (IRR=0.88, 95%CI 0.63-1.23, p=0.45), or substance use-related drug detox hospitalizations (IRR=0.83, 95%CI 0.32-2.16, p=0.71). Despite having more participants report chronic medical problems at baseline (43% vs. 32%, p=0.05), those receiving XR-NTX generally experienced equivalent or lower rates of healthcare utilization compared to TAU. The XR-NTX group had significantly lower medical/surgical related hospital admissions (IRR=0.55, 95%CI 0.30-1.00, p=0.05) during the course of the entire study. CONCLUSIONS XR-NTX did not significantly increase rates of healthcare utilization compared to TAU. Provider concerns regarding healthcare utilization should not preclude the consideration of XR-NTX as therapy for opioid use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
| | - Donna Wilson
- Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
| | - Niels Rathlev
- Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
| | - Joshua D Lee
- Department of Population Health, New York University, 227 E. 30th St., New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | - Michael Gordon
- Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
| | - Edward V Nunes
- Columbia University Medical Center, 617 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10024, United States.
| | - Charles P O'Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Department of Behavior Health, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- Baystate Medical Center, 759 Chestnut St. Springfield, MA 01199, United States.
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Soares WE, Sohoni A, Hern HG, Wills CP, Alter HJ, Simon BC. Comparison of the multiple mini-interview with the traditional interview for U.S. emergency medicine residency applicants: a single-institution experience. Acad Med 2015; 90:76-81. [PMID: 25319173 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The multiple mini-interview (MMI) is a validated interview technique used primarily to evaluate medical school applicants. No study has compared MMIs with traditional interviews (TIs) in the evaluation of U.S. emergency medicine residency (EMR) applicants. METHOD During the 2011-2012 interview season, a four-station MMI was incorporated into the interview process for EMR applicants at Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital (AHS). A postinterview anonymous questionnaire was offered to all applicants after they submitted their rank lists but prior to release of National Residency Matching Program results. Respondents rated their perceptions of the MMI and TI on a five-point Likert scale. McNemar chi-square test was used to explore differences in respondents' perceptions of interview styles. RESULTS One hundred ten interviewees completed the survey (73%). Overall, applicants found the TI more enjoyable than the MMI process (98 [89%] compared with 48 [44%], McNemar chi-square=28.66, P<.01) and preferred the TI process to the MMI (66 [60%] compared with 9 [10%], McNemar chi-square=40.81, P<.01). Sixteen applicants (14%) indicated that the use of the MMI would negatively affect their ranking of the program. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to prior studies, U.S. EMR applicants to AHS preferred the TI to the MMI. Further investigation into the use of the MMI for selecting U.S. EMR applicants is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- William E Soares
- Dr. Soares is clinical associate, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Health Center-Tufts Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Sohoni is clinical instructor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital, Oakland, California. Dr. Hern is program director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital, Oakland, California. Dr. Wills is associate program director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital, Oakland, California. Dr. Alter is research director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital, Oakland, California. Dr. Simon is chair of emergency medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda Health System-Highland Hospital, Oakland, California
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Mader TJ, Nathanson BH, Soares WE, Coute RA, McNally BF. Comparative Effectiveness of Therapeutic Hypothermia After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Insight from a Large Data Registry. Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag 2014; 4:21-31. [PMID: 24660100 DOI: 10.1089/ther.2013.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was done to determine the effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) among a large cohort of adults in the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), with an emphasis on subgroups with a nonshockable first documented rhythm. This was an IRB approved retrospective cohort study. All adult index events at participating sites from November 2010 to December 2013 were study eligible. All patient data elements were provided. Summary statistics were calculated for all patients with and without TH. For multivariate adjustment, a multilevel (i.e., hierarchical), mixed-effects logistic regression (MLR) model was used with hospitals treated as random effects. Propensity score matching (PSM) on both shockable and nonshockable patients was done as a sensitivity analysis. After predefined exclusions, our final sample size was 6369 records for analysis: shockable=2992 (47.0%); asystole=1657 (26.0%); pulseless electrical activity=1249 (19.6%); other unspecified nonshockable=471 (7.4%). Unadjusted differences in neurological status at hospital discharge with and without TH were similar (p=0.295). After multivariate adjustment, TH had either no association with good neurological status at hospital discharge or that TH was actually associated with worse neurological outcome, particularly in patients with a nonshockable first documented rhythm (i.e., for NS patients, MLR odds ratio for TH=1.444; 95% CI [1.039, 2.006] p=0.029, and OR=1.017, p=0.927 via PSM). Highlighting our limitations, we conclude that when TH is indiscriminately provided to a large population of OHCA survivors with a nonshockable first documented rhythm, evidence for its effectiveness is diminished. We suggest more uniform and rigid guidelines for application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Mader
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine , Springfield, Massachusetts
| | | | - William E Soares
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine , Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Ryan A Coute
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Baystate Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine , Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Bryan F McNally
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta, Georgia
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Singh A, Soares WE. Management strategies for acute headache in the emergency department. Emerg Med Pract 2012; 14:1-24. [PMID: 22830180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 2.1 million patients per year present to United States emergency departments with a primary headache disorder. For emergency clinicians, the responsibility is twofold: First, exclude causes of headaches that pose immediate threats to the life and welfare of patients. Second, provide safe, effective, and rapid treatment of symptoms, while facilitating discharge from the emergency department with appropriate follow-up. While emergency management focuses on identification and treatment of life-threatening causes of headache, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or bacterial meningitis, there is a tendency to misdiagnose specific primary headache disorders and fail to provide consistent, effective treatments in accordance with published guidelines. These mistakes can be avoided by resisting the temptation to label patients with specific primary headache diagnoses and by adopting a consistent, reproducible strategy for treatment of primary headache disorders in the emergency department that is evidence-based and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Singh
- Emergency Department, Alameda County Medical Center, Highland Hospital, Oakland, CA, USA
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