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McLeod SL, Tarride JE, Mondoux S, Paterson JM, Plumptre L, Borgundvaag E, Dainty KN, McCarron J, Ovens H, Hall JN. Health care utilization and outcomes of patients seen by virtual urgent care versus in-person emergency department care. CMAJ 2023; 195:E1463-E1474. [PMID: 37931947 PMCID: PMC10627570 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.230492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual urgent care (VUC) is intended to support diversion of patients with low-acuity complaints and reduce the need for in-person emergency department visits. We aimed to describe subsequent health care utilization and outcomes of patients who used VUC compared with similar patients who had an in-person emergency department visit. METHODS We used patient-level encounter data that were prospectively collected for patients using VUC services provided by 14 pilot programs in Ontario, Canada. We linked the data to provincial administrative databases to identify subsequent 30-day health care utilization and outcomes. We defined 2 subgroups of VUC users; those with a documented prompt referral to an emergency department by a VUC provider, and those without. We matched patients in each cohort to an equal number of patients presenting to an emergency department in person, based on encounter date, medical concern and the logit of a propensity score. For the subgroup of patients not promptly referred to an emergency department, we matched patients to those who were seen in an emergency department and then discharged home. RESULTS Of the 19 595 patient VUC visits linked to administrative data, we matched 2129 patients promptly referred to the emergency department by a VUC provider to patients presenting to the emergency department in person. Index visit hospital admissions (9.4% v. 8.7%), 30-day emergency department visits (17.0% v. 17.5%), and hospital admissions (12.9% v. 11.0%) were similar between the groups. We matched 14 179 patients who were seen by a VUC provider with no documented referral to the emergency department. Patients seen by VUC were more likely to have a subsequent in-person emergency department visit within 72 hours (13.7% v. 7.0%), 7 days (16.5% v. 10.3%) and 30 days (21.9% v. 17.9%), but hospital admissions were similar within 72 hours (1.1% v. 1.3%), and higher within 30 days for patients who were discharged home from the emergency department (2.6% v. 3.4%). INTERPRETATION The impact of the provincial VUC pilot program on subsequent health care utilization was limited. There is a need to better understand the inherent limitations of virtual care and ensure future virtual providers have timely access to in-person outpatient resources, to prevent subsequent emergency department visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Jean-Eric Tarride
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Shawn Mondoux
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - J Michael Paterson
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Lesley Plumptre
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Emily Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Katie N Dainty
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Joy McCarron
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Justin N Hall
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute (McLeod, Ovens), Sinai Health; Division of Emergency Medicine (McLeod, Ovens), Department of Family and Community Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; McMaster Chair in Health Technology Management (Tarride), Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, and Department of Emergency Medicine (Mondoux), St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.; Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mondoux), University of Toronto; ICES Central (Paterson, Plumptre, Borgundvaag); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Paterson, Dainty), University of Toronto; North York General Hospital (Dainty); Ontario Health (McCarron); Department of Emergency Medicine (Hall), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; Department of Medicine (Hall), Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont
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Bandiera G, Ovens H, Revue E. One size does not fit all: the complexities of addressing flow in contemporary EDs. CAN J EMERG MED 2023; 25:185-186. [PMID: 36877437 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Glen Bandiera
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Howard Ovens
- Sinai Health, Sinai Health Foundation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Revue
- Chair of the Prehospital Section of EUSEM, SAMU of Paris, Lariboisière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Alan Drummond
- Great War Memorial Hospital, Perth, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Chartier LB, Jalali H, Seaton MB, Ovens H, Borgundvaag B, McLeod SL, Dainty KN, Ostrow O. Qualitative evaluation of a mandatory provincial programme auditing emergency department return visits. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044218. [PMID: 33827836 PMCID: PMC8031058 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044218] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this qualitative study was to evaluate the perceived impact and value of the Return Visit Quality Programme (RVQP), a mandatory province-wide emergency department audit programme. DESIGN We employed an interpretive descriptive qualitative approach with maximum variation sampling to ensure diverse representation across several geographical and institutional factors. RVQP programme leads were invited to participate in semistructured interviews and snowball sampling was used to reach non-lead physicians to capture the perspectives of those working within the programme. SETTING In Ontario's RVQP, participating emergency departments must audit their return visits resulting in admission to identify issues that can be addressed through quality improvement initiatives. PARTICIPANTS Between June and August 2018, we interviewed 32 participants (local programme leads and non-lead physicians) from 23 out of the 86 participating centres. RESULTS Participants' perceived impact and value of the programme was associated with the existence (or absence) and nature of the local quality improvement culture, the implementation approach of the programme within their emergency departments, and key aspects of the programme pertaining to medicolegal concerns and resource availability. CONCLUSIONS This study of an innovative, large-scale programme aimed at promoting continuous quality improvement in emergency departments showed that while its perceived impact has been meaningful, there are key structural and operational elements that support and hinder this aim. Healthcare leaders should consider these findings when looking to implement large-scale audit or quality improvement programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B Chartier
- Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hanna Jalali
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Bianca Seaton
- Research and Innovation, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley L McLeod
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katie N Dainty
- Research and Innovation, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olivia Ostrow
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Berthelot S, Breton M, Guertin JR, Archambault PM, Berger Pelletier E, Blouin D, Borgundvaag B, Duhoux A, Harvey Labbé L, Laberge M, Lachapelle P, Lapointe-Shaw L, Layani G, Lefebvre G, Mallet M, Matthews D, McBrien K, McLeod S, Mercier E, Messier A, Moore L, Morris J, Morris K, Ovens H, Pageau P, Paquette JS, Perry J, Schull M, Simon M, Simonyan D, Stelfox HT, Talbot D, Vaillancourt S. A Value-Based Comparison of the Management of Ambulatory Respiratory Diseases in Walk-in Clinics, Primary Care Practices, and Emergency Departments: Protocol for a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e25619. [PMID: 33616548 PMCID: PMC7939947 DOI: 10.2196/25619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, 30%-60% of patients presenting to emergency departments are ambulatory. This category has been labeled as a source of emergency department overuse. Acting on the presumption that primary care practices and walk-in clinics offer equivalent care at a lower cost, governments have invested massively in improving access to these alternative settings in the hope that patients would present there instead when possible, thereby reducing the load on emergency departments. Data in support of this approach remain scarce and equivocal. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare the value of care received in emergency departments, walk-in clinics, and primary care practices by ambulatory patients with upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, influenza-like illness, pneumonia, acute asthma, or acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS A multicenter prospective cohort study will be performed in Ontario and Québec. In phase 1, a time-driven activity-based costing method will be applied at each of the 15 study sites. This method uses time as a cost driver to allocate direct costs (eg, medication), consumable expenditures (eg, needles), overhead costs (eg, building maintenance), and physician charges to patient care. Thus, the cost of a care episode will be proportional to the time spent receiving the care. At the end of this phase, a list of care process costs will be generated and used to calculate the cost of each consultation during phase 2, in which a prospective cohort of patients will be monitored to compare the care received in each setting. Patients aged 18 years and older, ambulatory throughout the care episode, and discharged to home with one of the aforementioned targeted diagnoses will be considered. The estimated sample size is 1485 patients. The 3 types of care settings will be compared on the basis of primary outcomes in terms of the proportion of return visits to any site 3 and 7 days after the initial visit and the mean cost of care. The secondary outcomes measured will include scores on patient-reported outcome and experience measures and mean costs borne wholly by patients. We will use multilevel generalized linear models to compare the care settings and an overlap weights approach to adjust for confounding factors related to age, sex, gender, ethnicity, comorbidities, registration with a family physician, socioeconomic status, and severity of illness. RESULTS Phase 1 will begin in 2021 and phase 2, in 2023. The results will be available in 2025. CONCLUSIONS The end point of our program will be for deciders, patients, and care providers to be able to determine the most appropriate care setting for the management of ambulatory emergency respiratory conditions, based on the quality and cost of care associated with each alternative. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/25619.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Berthelot
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Mylaine Breton
- Department of Community Health sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Campus de Longueuil, Longueuil, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne - Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Jason Robert Guertin
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Michel Archambault
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- VITAM - Centre de recherche en santé durable, Québec, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Chaudière-Appalaches, Lévis, QC, Canada
| | - Elyse Berger Pelletier
- Ministère de la santé et des services sociaux, Gouvernement du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Danielle Blouin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arnaud Duhoux
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Laurie Harvey Labbé
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Laberge
- Operations and Decision Systems Department, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Philippe Lachapelle
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Géraldine Layani
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Lefebvre
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Myriam Mallet
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Deborah Matthews
- Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Government of Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kerry McBrien
- Departments of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shelley McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Mercier
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Messier
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lynne Moore
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Judy Morris
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur-de-Montréal, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Nord-de-l'Île-de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kathleen Morris
- Canadian Institute for Health Information, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Pageau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Paquette
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- VITAM - Centre de recherche en santé durable, Québec, QC, Canada
- Laboratoire ARIMED, GMF-U de Saint-Charles-Borromée, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Perry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Schull
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Simon
- Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - David Simonyan
- Axe Santé des populations et Pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Henry Thomas Stelfox
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Medicine and Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Denis Talbot
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Samuel Vaillancourt
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Chartier LB, Ovens H, Hayes E, Davis B, Calder L, Schull M, Dreyer J, Ostrow O. Improving Quality of Care Through a Mandatory Provincial Audit Program: Ontario's Emergency Department Return Visit Quality Program. Ann Emerg Med 2020; 77:193-202. [PMID: 33199045 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.09.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Emergency Department Return Visit Quality Program was launched in Ontario, Canada, to promote a culture of quality. It mandates the province's largest-volume emergency departments (EDs) to audit charts of patients who had a return visit leading to hospital admission, including some of their 72-hour all-cause return visits with admission and all of their 7-day ones with sentinel diagnoses (ie, acute myocardial infarction, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and pediatric sepsis), and submit their findings to a governmental agency. This provides an opportunity to identify possible adverse events and quality issues, which hospitals can then address through quality improvement initiatives. A group of emergency physicians with quality improvement expertise analyzed the submitted audits and accompanying narrative templates, using a general inductive approach to develop a novel classification of recurrent quality themes. Since the Return Visit Quality Program launched in 2016, 125,698 return visits with admission have been identified, representing 0.93% of the 86 participating EDs' 13,559,664 visits. Overall, participating hospitals have conducted 12,852 detailed chart audits, uncovering 3,010 (23.4%) adverse events/quality issues and undertaking hundreds of quality improvement provincewide projects as a result. The inductive analysis revealed 11 recurrent themes, classified into 3 groupings: patient characteristics (ie, patient risk profile and elder care), ED team actions or processes (ie, physician cognitive lapses, documentation, handover/communication between providers, radiology, vital signs, and high-risk medications or medication interactions), and health care system issues (ie, discharge planning/community follow-up, left against medical advice/left without being seen, and imaging/testing availability). The Return Visit Quality Program is the largest mandatory audit program for EDs and provides a novel approach to identify local adverse events/quality issues to target for improved patient safety and quality of care. It provides a blueprint for health system leaders to enable clinicians to develop an approach to organizational quality, as well as for teams to construct an audit system that yields defined issues amenable to improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B Chartier
- Emergency Department, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Howard Ovens
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Hayes
- Health Quality Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lisa Calder
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Schull
- Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; ICES and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Dreyer
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olivia Ostrow
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Paediatric Emergency Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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McLeod SL, Thompson C, Borgundvaag B, Thabane L, Ovens H, Scott S, Ahmed T, Grewal K, McCarron J, Filsinger B, Mittmann N, Worster A, Agoritsas T, Bullard M, Guyatt G. Consistency of triage scores by presenting complaint pre- and post-implementation of a real-time electronic triage decision support tool. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:747-756. [PMID: 33145515 PMCID: PMC7593433 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective eCTAS is a real‐time electronic decision‐support tool designed to standardize the application of the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). This study addresses the variability of CTAS score distributions across institutions pre‐ and post‐eCTAS implementation. Methods We used population‐based administrative data from 2016–2018 from all emergency departments (EDs) that had implemented eCTAS for 9 months. Following a 3‐month stabilization period, we compared 6 months post‐eCTAS data to the same 6 months the previous year (pre‐eCTAS). We included triage encounters of adult (≥17 years) patients who presented with 1 of 16 pre‐specified, high‐volume complaints. For each ED, consistency was calculated as the absolute difference in CTAS distribution compared to the average of all included EDs for each presenting complaint. Pre‐eCTAS and post‐eCTAS change scores were compared using a paired‐samples t‐test. We also assessed if eCTAS modifiers were associated with triage consistency. Results There were 363,214 (183,231 pre‐eCTAS, 179,983 post‐eCTAS) triage encounters included from 35 EDs. Triage scores were more consistent (P < 0.05) post‐eCTAS for 6 (37.5%) presenting complaints: chest pain (cardiac features), extremity weakness/symptoms of cerebrovascular accident, fever, shortness of breath, syncope, and hyperglycemia. Triage consistency was similar pre‐ and post‐eCTAS for altered level of consciousness, anxiety/situational crisis, confusion, depression/suicidal/deliberate self‐harm, general weakness, head injury, palpitations, seizure, substance misuse/intoxication, and vertigo. Use of eCTAS modifiers was associated with increased triage consistency. Conclusions eCTAS increased triage consistency across many, but not all, high‐volume presenting complaints. Modifier use was associated with increased triage consistency, particularly for non‐specific complaints such as fever and general weakness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada.,Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Cameron Thompson
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada.,Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Family and Community Medicine University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Steve Scott
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Ministry of Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Tamer Ahmed
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Ministry of Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Keerat Grewal
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Joy McCarron
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Ministry of Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Brooke Filsinger
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Ministry of Health Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Nicole Mittmann
- Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Ministry of Health Toronto Ontario Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute Toronto Ontario Canada
| | - Andrew Worster
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada.,Division of Emergency Medicine Department of Medicine McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Thomas Agoritsas
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Division of Clinical Epidemiology University Hospitals of Geneva Geneva Switzerland
| | - Michael Bullard
- Department of Emergency Medicine University of Alberta Edmonton Alberta Canada
| | - Gordon Guyatt
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada.,Department of Medicine McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
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Agnihotri T, Fan M, McLeod S, Borgundvaag B, Ovens H, McCarron J, Trbovich P. Impact of an Electronic Decision-Support System on Nursing Triage Process: A Usability and Workflow Analysis. Can J Nurs Res 2020; 53:107-113. [PMID: 31964166 DOI: 10.1177/0844562119893514] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To qualitatively contrast emergency department triage workflow using a paper-based triage system and an electronic decision-support tool (electronic Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (eCTAS)). METHODS Triage nurses from a single institution were invited to perform triage assessments of mock patients using a paper-based triage system and eCTAS. These assessments were completed using simulation scenarios, some of which involved facilitators probing triage nurses' thoughts on the design of the eCTAS system. Participants were asked to "think aloud," describing their thought patterns as they completed the triage process. Similar patient scenarios with the same Canadian Emergency Department Information System (CEDIS) presenting complaint and triage score were used for comparison between paper-based triage and electronic decision-support tool (eCTAS) conditions. RESULTS Eight participants completed at least two simulation scenarios for each condition and at least one usability scenario with eCTAS. The simulated encounters showed eCTAS provided several advantages to paper-based triage assessment process by shortlisting possible CEDIS complaints and preselecting relevant modifiers. However, usability concerns were identified with eCTAS including challenges related to data entry and eCTAS score overrides. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights several positive features of eCTAS and usability issues that should be addressed to enhance the intended use of eCTAS and support user adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Agnihotri
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Fan
- Centre for Research and Innovation, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joy McCarron
- Access to Care Branch, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia Trbovich
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Research and Innovation, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Taher A, Bunker E, Chartier LB, Ostrow O, Ovens H, Davis B, Schull MJ. Application of the Informatics Stack framework to describe a population-level emergency department return visit continuous quality improvement program. Int J Med Inform 2019; 133:103937. [PMID: 31739223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population health programs are increasingly reliant on Health Information Technology (HIT). Program HIT architecture description is a necessary step prior to evaluation. Several sociotechnical frameworks have been used previously with HIT programs. The Informatics Stack is a novel framework that provides a thorough description of HIT program architecture. The Emergency Department Return Visit Quality Program (EDRVQP) is a population-level continuous quality improvement (QI) program connecting EDs across Ontario. The objectives of the study were to utilize the Informatics Stack to provide a description of the EDRVQP HIT architecture and to delineate population health program factors that are enablers or barriers. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Informatics Stack was used to describe the HIT architecture. A qualitative study was completed with semi-structured interviews of key informants across stakeholder organizations. Emergency departments were selected randomly. Purposive sampling identified key informants. Interviews were conducted until saturation. An inductive qualitative analysis using grounded theory was completed. A literature review of peer-reviewed background literature, and stakeholder organization reports was also conducted. RESULTS 23 business actors from 15 organizations were interviewed. The EDRVQP architecture description is presented across the Informatics Stack levels. The levels from most comprehensive to most basic are world, organization, perspectives/roles, goals/functions, workflow/behaviour/adoption, information systems, modules, data/information/knowledge/wisdom/algorithms, and technology. Enabling factors were the high rate of electronic health record adoption, legislative mandate for data collection, use of functional data standards, implementation flexibility, leveraging validated algorithms, and leveraging existing local health networks. Barriers were privacy legislation and a high turn-around time. DISCUSSION The Informatics Stack provides a robust approach to thoroughly describe the HIT architecture of population health programs prior to program replication. The EDRVQP is a population health program that illustrates the pragmatic use of continuous QI methodology across a population (provincial) level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Taher
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Edward Bunker
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Lucas B Chartier
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Olivia Ostrow
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Michael J Schull
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; ICES, Toronto, Canada
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10
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McLeod SL, McCarron J, Ahmed T, Grewal K, Mittmann N, Scott S, Ovens H, Garay J, Bullard M, Rowe BH, Dreyer J, Borgundvaag B. Interrater Reliability, Accuracy, and Triage Time Pre- and Post-implementation of a Real-Time Electronic Triage Decision-Support Tool. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 75:524-531. [PMID: 31564379 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE The electronic Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (eCTAS) is a real-time electronic triage decision-support tool designed to improve patient safety and quality of care by standardizing the application of the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). The objective of this study is to determine interrater agreement of triage scores pre- and post-implementation of eCTAS. METHODS This was a prospective, observational study conducted in 7 emergency departments (EDs), selected to represent a mix of triage documentation practices, hospital types, and patient volumes. A provincial CTAS auditor observed triage nurses in the ED pre- and post-implementation of eCTAS and assigned an independent CTAS score in real time. Research assistants independently recorded triage time. Interrater agreement was estimated with κ statistics with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS A total of 1,491 individual triage assessments (752 pre-eCTAS, 739 post-implementation) were audited during 42 7-hour triage shifts (21 pre-eCTAS, 21 post-implementation). Exact modal agreement was achieved for 567 patients (75.4%) pre-eCTAS compared with 685 patients (92.7%) triaged with eCTAS. With the auditor's CTAS score as the reference, eCTAS significantly reduced the number of patients over-triaged (12.0% versus 5.1%; Δ 6.9; 95% CI 4.0 to 9.7) and under-triaged (12.6% versus 2.2%; Δ 10.4; 95% CI 7.9 to 13.2). Interrater agreement was higher with eCTAS (unweighted κ 0.89 versus 0.63; quadratic-weighted κ 0.93 versus 0.79). Median triage time was 312 seconds (n=3,808 patients) pre-eCTAS and 347 seconds (n=3,489 patients) with eCTAS (Δ 35 seconds; 95% CI 29 to 40 seconds). CONCLUSION A standardized, electronic approach to performing triage assessments improves both interrater agreement and data accuracy without substantially increasing triage time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Joy McCarron
- Cancer Care Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tamer Ahmed
- Cancer Care Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keerat Grewal
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Mittmann
- Cancer Care Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steve Scott
- Cancer Care Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Garay
- Cancer Care Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Bullard
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Brian H Rowe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan Dreyer
- Division of Emergency Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Jazuli F, Lynd T, Mah J, Klowak M, Jechel D, Klowak S, Ovens H, Sabbah S, Boggild AK. Evaluation of a programme for 'Rapid Assessment of Febrile Travelers' (RAFT): a clinic-based quality improvement initiative. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010302. [PMID: 27473947 PMCID: PMC4985841 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fever in the returned traveller is a potential medical emergency warranting prompt attention to exclude life-threatening illnesses. However, prolonged evaluation in the emergency department (ED) may not be required for all patients. As a quality improvement initiative, we implemented an algorithm for rapid assessment of febrile travelers (RAFT) in an ambulatory setting. METHODS Criteria for RAFT referral include: presentation to the ED, reported fever and travel to the tropics or subtropics within the past year. Exclusion criteria include Plasmodium falciparum malaria, and fulfilment of admission criteria such as unstable vital signs or significant laboratory derangements. We performed a time series analysis preimplementation and postimplementation, with primary outcome of wait time to tropical medicine consultation. Secondary outcomes included number of ED visits averted for repeat malaria testing, and algorithm adherence. RESULTS From February 2014 to December 2015, 154 patients were seen in the RAFT clinic: 68 men and 86 women. Median age was 36 years (range 16-78 years). Mean time to RAFT clinic assessment was 1.2±0.07 days (range 0-4 days) postimplementation, compared to 5.4±1.8 days (range 0-26 days) prior to implementation (p<0.0001). The RAFT clinic averted 132 repeat malaria screens in the ED over the study period (average 6 per month). Common diagnoses were: traveller's diarrhoea (n=27, 17.5%), dengue (n=12, 8%), viral upper respiratory tract infection (n=11, 7%), chikungunya (n=10, 6.5%), laboratory-confirmed influenza (n=8, 5%) and lobar pneumonia (n=8, 5%). CONCLUSIONS In addition to provision of more timely care to ambulatory febrile returned travellers, we reduced ED bed-usage by providing an alternate setting for follow-up malaria screening, and treatment of infectious diseases manageable in an outpatient setting, but requiring specific therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah Jazuli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terence Lynd
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan Mah
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Dale Jechel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stefanie Klowak
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, UHN-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Sabbah
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea K Boggild
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, UHN-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Ontario Laboratories, Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Ovens H, Letovsky E, Foote JR. Be responsive to needs of patients and communities. Can Fam Physician 2016; 62:126. [PMID: 26884522 PMCID: PMC4755628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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13
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Hunchak C, Tannenbaum D, Roberts M, Shah T, Tisma P, Ovens H, Borgundvaag B. Closing the circle of care: implementation of a web-based communication tool to improve emergency department discharge communication with family physicians. CAN J EMERG MED 2016; 17:123-30. [PMID: 25927256 DOI: 10.2310/8000.2014.141327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Postdischarge emergency department (ED) communication with family physicians is often suboptimal and negatively impacts patient care. We designed and piloted an online notification system that electronically alerts family physicians of patient ED visits and provides access to visitspecific laboratory and diagnostic information. METHODS Nine (of 10 invited) high-referring family physicians participated in this single ED pilot. A prepilot chart audit (30 patients from each family physician) determined the baseline rate of paper-based record transmission. A webbased communication portal was designed and piloted by the nine family physicians over 1 year. Participants provided usability feedback via focus groups and written surveys. RESULTS Review of 270 patient charts in the prepilot phase revealed a 13% baseline rate of handwritten chart and a 44% rate of any information transfer between the ED and family physician offices following discharge. During the pilot, participant family physicians accrued 880 patient visits. Seven and two family physicians accessed online records for 74% and 12% of visits, respectively, an overall 60.7% of visits, corresponding to an overall absolute increase in receipt of patient ED visit information of 17%. The postpilot survey found that 100% of family physicians reported that they were ''often'' or ''always'' aware of patient ED visits, used the portal ''always'' or ''regularly'' to access patients' health records online, and felt that the web portal contributed to improved actual and perceived continuity of patient care. CONCLUSION Introduction of a web-based ED visit communication tool improved ED-family physician communication. The impact of this system on improved continuity of care, timeliness of follow-up, and reduced duplication of investigations and referrals requires additional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Hunchak
- *Schwartz-Reisman Emergency Centre,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
| | - David Tannenbaum
- †The Granovsky Gluskin Family Medicine Centre,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
| | - Michael Roberts
- †The Granovsky Gluskin Family Medicine Centre,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
| | - Thrushar Shah
- ‡Information Technology,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
| | - Predrag Tisma
- ‡Information Technology,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
| | - Howard Ovens
- *Schwartz-Reisman Emergency Centre,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
| | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- *Schwartz-Reisman Emergency Centre,Mount Sinai Hospital,Toronto,ON
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Borgundvaag B, Ovens H. Cardioversion of uncomplicated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a survey of practice by Canadian emergency physicians. CAN J EMERG MED 2015; 6:155-60. [PMID: 17433167 DOI: 10.1017/s1481803500006849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is the rhythm disturbance most commonly encountered by emergency physicians, yet the role played by emergency physicians in the management of this condition has not been well described. The purpose of this study was to describe the management of uncomplicated PAF by Canadian emergency physicians.
Methods:
All members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians with a Canadian address (n = 1255) were mailed a 15-point questionnaire regarding training/certification, hospital demographics and practice patterns regarding the management of uncomplicated PAF. Chisquared analysis and Fisher’s Exact test were performed to identify significant differences in reported practice patterns in relation to demographic variables. Significant associations were tested for interaction using the Mantel–Haenszel test.
Results:
We received 663 responses, representing a 52.8% response rate. Six hundred and twenty-two (95%), 514 (78%) and 242 (38%) respondents reported routine performance of rate control, chemical cardioversion and electrical cardioversion respectively. Physicians working in high-volume emergency departments (>50 000 visits/yr) were significantly more likely to self-manage rate control and chemical/electrical cardioversion than those working in lower volume emergency departments. Residency training was associated with higher performance of electrical (44% v. 31%, p < 0.01) but not chemical cardioversion or rate control, although, amongst residency trained physicians, those with FRCP-level training were significantly more likely to perform both chemical (86% v. 76%, p < 0.05) and electrical (57% v. 37%, p < 0.01) cardioversion.
Conclusion:
Canadian emergency physicians surveyed in this study actively manage uncomplicated PAF. We found significant variations in practice, especially related to the use of electrical cardioversion. This may reflect different practice environments, levels of training, and lack of evidence to guide best practice. Further research is required to determine the optimal care of PAF in the emergency department setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjug Borgundvaag
- Division of Emergency Services, Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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15
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Dabbo S, Varner C, Bleakney R, Ovens H. Clinical impact of extending after-hours radiology coverage for emergency department computed tomography imaging. Open Access Emerg Med 2014; 6:33-5. [PMID: 27147877 PMCID: PMC4753985 DOI: 10.2147/oaem.s59750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Academic emergency departments (EDs) are often reliant on preliminary interpretation by radiology residents for after-hours computed tomography (CT) images. Identifying residents’ errors in diagnostic interpretation and ensuring appropriate contact with affected patients are areas of continuing concern. Objective The Mount Sinai Hospital ED and Medical Imaging Department in Toronto, Canada sought to examine the clinical impact of extending reporting hours of senior attending radiologists for ED patients undergoing CT imaging. Methods All evening CT studies were read by the on-call sub-specialist staff radiologist before 10 pm; while studies done after 10 pm were read by 8 am, permitting review of final reports by the ordering ED physician. A retrospective review of radiology and ED metrics was performed on ED patients undergoing CT imaging 12 weeks before and 12 weeks after implementation of the extended reading hours. Results In the 12 weeks prior to implementation of extended senior attending radiologist coverage, 871 CT scans were performed as compared to 944 CT scans after implementation. Time from performance of CT scan to obtaining a dictated report decreased from 10.4 hours to 2.8 hours (P<0.001), and time from performance of CT scan to report verification by the radiologist decreased from 29.7 hours to 9.4 hours (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant changes in ED length of stay, rates of admission, or rates of consultation. However, there was a significant reduction in (median) time taken for ED physicians to resolve discrepant reports in the radiology information system queue (20.7 hours versus 13.3 hours, P<0.001). Conclusion The extension of reporting hours reduced the time for ED physicians to review discrepant reports, while balancing educational needs of residents. This project has been considered a success by stakeholders and has now been implemented on a permanent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Dabbo
- University Health Network, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine Varner
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Bleakney
- University Health Network, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Canada; Division of Emergency Medicine, Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada
| | - Howard Ovens
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada; Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Hoit G, Hinkewich C, Tiao J, Porgo V, Moore L, Moore L, Tiao J, Wang C, Moffatt B, Wheeler S, Gillman L, Bartens K, Lysecki P, Pallister I, Patel S, Bradford P, Bradford P, Kidane B, Holmes A, Trajano A, March J, Lyons R, Kao R, Rezende-Neto J, Leblanc Y, Rezende-Neto J, Vogt K, Alzaid S, Jansz G, Andrusiek D, Andrusiek D, Bailey K, Livingston M, Calthorpe S, Hsu J, Lubbert P, Boitano M, Leeper W, Williamson O, Reid S, Alonazi N, Lee C, Rezende-Neto J, Aleassa E, Jennings P, Jennings P, Mador B, Hoffman K, Riley J, Vu E, Alburakan A, Alburakan A, Alburakan A, Mckee J, Bobrovitz N, Gabbe B, Gabbe B, Hodgkinson J, Hodgkinson J, Ali J, Ali J, Grant M, Roberts D, Holodinsky J, Cooper C, Santana M, Kruger K, Hodgkinson J, Waggott M, Da Luz L, Banfield J, Santana M, Dorigatti A, Birn K, Bobrovitz N, Zakirova R, Davies D, Das D, Gamme G, Pervaiz F, Almarhabi Y, Brainard A, Brown R, Bell N, Bell N, Jowett H, Jowett H, Bressan S, Hogan A, Watson I, Woodford S, Hogan A, Boulay R, Watson I, Howlett M, Atkinson P, Chesters A, Hamadani F, Atkinson P, Azzam M, Fraser J, Doucet J, Atkinson P, Muakkassa F, Sathivel N, Chadi S, Joseph B, Takeuchi L, Bradley N, Al Bader B, Kidane B, Harrington A, Nixon K, Veigas P, Joseph B, O’Keeffe T, Bracco D, Rezende-Neto J, Azzam M, Lin Y, Bailey K, Bracco D, Nash N, Alhabboubi M, Slobogean G, Spicer J, Heidary B, Joos E, Berg R, Berg R, Sankarankutty A, Zakrison T, Babul S, Lockhart S, Faux S, Jackson A, Lee T, Bailey K, Pemberton J, Green R, Tallon J, Moore L, Turgeon A, Boutin A, Moore L, Reinartz D, Lapointe G, Turgeon A, Stelfox H, Turgeon A, Nathens A, Neveu X, Stelfox H, Turgeon A, Nathens A, Neveu X, Moore L, Turgeon A, Bratu I, Gladwin C, Voaklander D, Lewis M, Vogt K, Eckert K, Williamson J, Stewart TC, Parry N, Gray D, L’Heureux R, Ziesmann M, Kortbeek J, Brindley P, Hicks C, Fata P, Engels P, Ball C, Paton-Gay D, Widder S, Vogt K, Hernandez-Alejandro R, Gray D, Vanderbeek L, Forrokhyar F, Anatharajah R, Howatt N, Lamb S, Sne N, Kahnamoui K, Lyons R, Walters A, Brooks C, Pinder L, Rahman S, Walters A, Kidane B, Parry N, Donnelly E, Lewell M, Mellow R, Hedges C, Morassutti P, Bulatovic R, Morassutti P, Galbraith E, McKenzie S, Bradford D, Lewell M, Peddle M, Dukelow A, Eby D, McLeod S, Bradford P, Stewart TC, Parry N, Williamson O, Fraga G, Pereira B, Sareen J, Doupe M, Gawaziuk J, Chateau D, Logsetty S, Pallister I, Lewis J, O’Doherty D, Hopkins S, Griffiths S, Palmer S, Gabbe B, Xu X, Martin C, Xenocostas A, Parry N, Mele T, Rui T, Abreu E, Andrade M, Cruz F, Pires R, Carreiro P, Andrade T, Lampron J, Balaa F, Fortuna R, Issa H, Dias P, Marques M, Fernandes T, Sousa T, Inaba K, Smith J, Okoye O, Joos E, Shulman I, Nelson J, Parry N, Rhee P, Demetriades D, Ostrofsky R, Butler-Laporte G, Chughtai T, Khwaja K, Fata P, Mulder D, Razek T, Deckelbaum D, Bailey K, Pemberton J, Evans D, Anton H, Wei J, Randall E, Sobolev B, Scott BB, van Heest R, Frankfurter C, Pemberton J, McKerracher S, Stewart TC, Merritt N, Barber L, Kimmel L, Hodgson C, Webb M, Holland A, Gruen R, Harrison K, Hwang M, Hsee L, Civil I, Muizelaar A, Baillie F, Leeper T, Stewart TC, Gray D, Parry N, Sutherland A, Hart M, Gabbe B, Tuma F, Coates A, Farrokhyar F, Faidi S, Gastaldo F, Paskar D, Reid S, Faidi S, Petrisor B, Bhandari M, Loh WL, Ho C, Chong C, Rodrigues G, Gissoni M, Martins M, Andrade M, Cunha-Melo J, Rizoli S, Abu-Zidan F, Cameron P, Bernard S, Walker T, Jolley D, Fitzgerald M, Masci K, Gabbe B, Simpson P, Smith K, Cox S, Cameron P, Evans D, West A, Barratt L, Rozmovits L, Livingstone B, Vu M, Griesdale D, Schlamp R, Wand R, Alhabboubi M, Alrowaili A, Alghamdi H, Fata P, Essbaiheen F, Alhabboubi M, Fata P, Essbaiheen F, Chankowsky J, Razek T, Stephens M, Vis C, Belton K, Kortbeek J, Bratu I, Dufresne B, Guilfoyle J, Ibbotson G, Martin K, Matheson D, Parks P, Thomas L, Kirkpatrick A, Santana M, Kline T, Kortbeek J, Stelfox H, Lyons R, Macey S, Fitzgerald M, Judson R, Cameron P, Sutherland A, Hart M, Morgan M, McLellan S, Wilson K, Cameron P, Sorvari A, Chaudhry Z, Khawaja K, Ali A, Akhtar J, Zubair M, Nickow J, Sorvari A, Holodinsky J, Jaeschke R, Ball C, Blaser AR, Starkopf J, Zygun D, Kirkpatrick A, Roberts D, Ball C, Blaser AR, Starkopf J, Zygun D, Jaeschke R, Kirkpatrick A, Santana M, Stelfox H, Stelfox H, Rizoli S, Tanenbaum B, Stelfox H, Redondano BR, Jimenez LS, Zago T, de Carvalho RB, Calderan TA, Fraga G, Campbell S, Widder S, Paton-Gay D, Engels P, Ferri M, Santana M, Kline T, Kortbeek J, Stelfox H, Nathens A, Lashoher A, McFarlan A, Ahmed N, Booy J, McDowell D, Nasr A, Wales P, Roberts D, Mercado M, Vis C, Kortbeek J, Kirkpatrick A, Lall R, Stelfox H, Ball C, Niven D, Dixon E, Stelfox H, Kirkpatrick A, Kaplan G, Hameed M, Ball C, Qadura M, Sne N, Reid S, Coates A, Faidi S, Veenstra J, Hennecke P, Gardner R, Appleton L, Sobolev B, Simons R, van Heest R, Hameed M, Sobolev B, Simons R, van Heest R, Hameed M, Palmer C, Bevan C, Crameri J, Palmer C, Hogan D, Grealy L, Bevan C, Palmer C, Jowett H, Boulay R, Chisholm A, Beairsto E, Goulette E, Martin M, Benjamin S, Boulay R, Watson I, Boulay R, Watson I, Watson I, Savoie J, Benjamin S, Martin M, Hogan A, Woodford S, Benjamin S, Chisholm A, Ondiveeran H, Martin M, Atkinson P, Doody K, Fraser J, Leblanc-Duchin D, Strack B, Naveed A, vanRensburg L, Madan R, Atkinson P, Boulva K, Deckelbaum D, Khwaja K, Fata P, Razek T, Fraser J, Verheul G, Parks A, Milne J, Nemeth J, Fata P, Correa J, Deckelbaum D, Bernardin B, Al Bader B, Khwaja K, Razek T, Atkinson P, Benjamin S, Sproul E, Mehta A, Galarneau M, Mahadevan P, Bansal V, Dye J, Hollingsworth-Fridlund P, Stout P, Potenza B, Coimbra R, Madan R, Marley R, Salvator A, Pisciotta D, Bridge J, Lin S, Ovens H, Nathens A, Abdo H, Dencev-Bihari R, Parry N, Lawendy A, Ibrahim-Zada I, Pandit V, Tang A, O’Keeffe T, Wynne J, Gries L, Friese R, Rhee P, Hameed M, Simons R, Taulu T, Wong H, Saleem A, Azzam M, Boulva K, Razek T, Khwaja K, Mulder D, Deckelbaum D, Fata P, Plourde M, Chadi S, Forbes T, Parry N, Martin G, Gaunt K, Bandiera G, Bawazeer M, MacKinnon D, Ahmed N, Spence J, Sankarankutty A, Nascimento B, Rizoli S, Ibrahim-Zada I, Aziz H, Tang A, Friese R, Wynne J, O’keeffe T, Vercruysse G, Kulvatunyou N, Rhee P, Sakles J, Mosier J, Wynne J, Kulvatunyou N, Tang A, Joseph B, Rhee P, Khwaja K, Fata P, Deckelbaum D, Razek T, Dias P, Issa H, Fortuna R, Sousa T, Abreu E, Bracco D, Khwaja K, Fata P, Deckelbaum D, Razek T, Bracco D, Khwaja K, Fata P, Deckelbaum D, Razek T, Norman D, Li J, Pemberton J, Al-Oweis J, Khwaja K, Fata P, Deckelbaum D, Razek T, Albuz O, Karamanos E, Vogt K, Okoye O, Talving P, Inaba K, Demetriades D, Elhusseini M, Sudarshan M, Deckelbaum D, Fata P, Razek T, Khwaja K, MacPherson C, Sun T, Pelletier M, Hameed M, Khalil MA, Azzam M, Valenti D, Fata P, Deckelbaum D, Razek T, Brown R, Simons R, Evans D, Hameed M, Inaba K, Vogt K, Okoye O, Gelbard R, Moe D, Grabo D, Demetriades D, Inaba K, Karamanos E, Okoye O, Talving P, Demetriades D, Inaba K, Karamanos E, Pasley J, Teixeira P, Talving P, Demetriades D, Fung S, Alababtain I, Brnjac E, Luz L, Nascimento B, Rizoli S, Parikh P, Proctor K, Murtha M, Schulman C, Namias N, Goldman R, Pike I, Korn P, Flett C, Jackson T, Keith J, Joseph T, Giddins E, Ouellet J, Cook M, Schreiber M, Kortbeek J. Trauma Association of Canada (TAC) Annual Scientific Meeting. The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler, BC, Thursday, Apr. 11 to Saturday, Apr. 13, 2013Testing the reliability of tools for pediatric trauma teamwork evaluation in a North American high-resource simulation settingThe association of etomidate with mortality in trauma patientsDefinition of isolated hip fractures as an exclusion criterion in trauma centre performance evaluations: a systematic reviewEstimation of acute care hospitalization costs for trauma hospital performance evaluation: a systematic reviewHospital length of stay following admission for traumatic injury in Canada: a multicentre cohort studyPredictors of hospital length of stay following traumatic injury: a multicentre cohort studyInfluence of the heterogeneity in definitions of an isolated hip fracture used as an exclusion criterion in trauma centre performance evaluations: a multicentre cohort studyPediatric trauma, advocacy skills and medical studentsCompliance with the prescribed packed red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma and platelet ratio for the trauma transfusion pathway at a level 1 trauma centreEarly fixed-wing aircraft activation for major trauma in remote areasDevelopment of a national, multi-disciplinary trauma crisis resource management curriculum: results from the pilot courseThe management of blunt hepatic trauma in the age of angioembolization: a single centre experienceEarly predictors of in-hospital mortality in adult trauma patientsThe impact of open tibial fracture on health service utilization in the year preceding and following injuryA systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of red blood cell transfusion in the trauma populationSources of support for paramedics managing work-related stress in a Canadian EMS service responding to multisystem trauma patientsAnalysis of prehospital treatment of pain in the multisystem trauma patient at a community level 2 trauma centreIncreased mortality associated with placement of central lines during trauma resuscitationChronic pain after serious injury — identifying high risk patientsEpidemiology of in-hospital trauma deaths in a Brazilian university teaching hospitalIncreased suicidality following major trauma: a population-based studyDevelopment of a population-wide record linkage system to support trauma researchInduction of hmgb1 by increased gut permeability mediates acute lung injury in a hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation mouse modelPatients who sustain gunshot pelvic fractures are at increased risk for deep abscess formation: aggravated by rectal injuryAre we transfusing more with conservative management of isolated blunt splenic injury? A retrospective studyMotorcycle clothesline injury prevention: Experimental test of a protective deviceA prospective analysis of compliance with a massive transfusion protocol - activation alone is not enoughAn evaluation of diagnostic modalities in penetrating injuries to the cardiac box: Is there a role for routine echocardiography in the setting of negative pericardial FAST?Achievement of pediatric national quality indicators — an institutional report cardProcess mapping trauma care in 2 regional health authorities in British Columbia: a tool to assist trauma sys tem design and evaluationPatient safety checklist for emergency intubation: a systematic reviewA standardized flow sheet improves pediatric trauma documentationMassive transfusion in pediatric trauma: a 5-year retrospective reviewIs more better: Does a more intensive physiotherapy program result in accelerated recovery for trauma patients?Trauma care: not just for surgeons. Initial impact of implementing a dedicated multidisciplinary trauma team on severely injured patientsThe role of postmortem autopsy in modern trauma care: Do we still need them?Prototype cervical spine traction device for reduction stabilization and transport of nondistraction type cervical spine injuriesGoing beyond organ preservation: a 12-year review of the beneficial effects of a nonoperative management algorithm for splenic traumaAssessing the construct validity of a global disability measure in adult trauma registry patientsThe mactrauma TTL assessment tool: developing a novel tool for assessing performance of trauma traineesA quality improvement approach to developing a standardized reporting format of ct findings in blunt splenic injuriesOutcomes in geriatric trauma: what really mattersFresh whole blood is not better than component therapy (FFP:RBC) in hemorrhagic shock: a thromboelastometric study in a small animal modelFactors affecting mortality of chest trauma patients: a prospective studyLong-term pain prevalence and health related quality of life outcomes for patients enrolled in a ketamine versus morphine for prehospital traumatic pain randomized controlled trialDescribing pain following trauma: predictors of persistent pain and pain prevalenceManagement strategies for hemorrhage due to pelvic trauma: a survey of Canadian general surgeonsMajor trauma follow-up clinic: Patient perception of recovery following severe traumaLost opportunities to enhance trauma practice: culture of interprofessional education and sharing among emergency staffPrehospital airway management in major trauma and traumatic brain injury by critical care paramedicsImproving patient selection for angiography and identifying risk of rebleeding after angioembolization in the nonoperative management of high grade splenic injuriesFactors predicting the need for angioembolization in solid organ injuryProthrombin complex concentrates use in traumatic brain injury patients on oral anticoagulants is effective despite underutilizationThe right treatment at the right time in the right place: early results and associations from the introduction of an all-inclusive provincial trauma care systemA multicentre study of patient experiences with acute and postacute injury carePopulation burden of major trauma: Has introduction of an organized trauma system made a difference?Long-term functional and return to work outcomes following blunt major trauma in Victoria, AustraliaSurgical dilemma in major burns victim: heterotopic ossification of the tempromandibular jointWhich radiological modality to choose in a unique penetrating neck injury: a differing opinionThe Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program in CanadaThe Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) in Pakistan: Is there a role?Novel deployment of BC mobile medical unit for coverage of BMX world cup sporting eventIncidence and prevalence of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill adults: a systematic review and meta-analysisRisk factors for intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill or injured adults: a systematic review and meta-analysisA comparison of quality improvement practices at adult and pediatric trauma centresInternational trauma centre survey to evaluate content validity, usability and feasibility of quality indicatorsLong-term functional recovery following decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injuryMorbidity and mortality associated with free falls from a height among teenage patients: a 5-year review from a level 1 trauma centreA comparison of adverse events between trauma patients and general surgery patients in a level 1 trauma centreProcoagulation, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis in severely bleeding trauma patients: a laboratorial characterization of the early trauma coagulopathyThe use of mobile technology to facilitate surveillance and improve injury outcome in sport and physical activityIntegrated knowledge translation for injury quality improvement: a partnership between researchers and knowledge usersThe impact of a prevention project in trauma with young and their learningIntraosseus vascular access in adult trauma patients: a systematic reviewThematic analysis of patient reported experiences with acute and post-acute injury careAn evaluation of a world health organization trauma care checklist quality improvement pilot programProspective validation of the modified pediatric trauma triage toolThe 16-year evolution of a Canadian level 1 trauma centre: growing up, growing out, and the impact of a booming economyA 20-year review of trauma related literature: What have we done and where are we going?Management of traumatic flail chest: a systematic review of the literatureOperative versus nonoperative management of flail chestEmergency department performance of a clinically indicated and technically successful emergency department thoracotomy and pericardiotomy with minimal equipment in a New Zealand institution without specialized surgical backupBritish Columbia’s mobile medical unit — an emergency health care support resourceRoutine versus ad hoc screening for acute stress: Who would benefit and what are the opportunities for trauma care?A geographical analysis of the Early Development Instrument (EDI) and childhood injuryDevelopment of a pediatric spinal cord injury nursing course“Kids die in driveways” — an injury prevention campaignEpidemiology of traumatic spine injuries in childrenA collaborative approach to reducing injuries in New Brunswick: acute care and injury preventionImpact of changes to a provincial field trauma triage tool in New BrunswickEnsuring quality of field trauma triage in New BrunswickBenefits of a provincial trauma transfer referral system: beyond the numbersThe field trauma triage landscape in New BrunswickImpact of the Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) on trauma transfer intervals in a provincial, inclusive trauma systemTrauma and stress: a critical dynamics study of burnout in trauma centre healthcare professionalsUltrasound-guided pediatric forearm fracture reduction with sedation in the emergency departmentBlock first, opiates later? The use of the fascia iliaca block for patients with hip fractures in the emergency department: a systematic reviewRural trauma systems — demographic and survival analysis of remote traumas transferred from northern QuebecSimulation in trauma ultrasound trainingIncidence of clinically significant intra-abdominal injuries in stable blunt trauma patientsWake up: head injury management around the clockDamage control laparotomy for combat casualties in forward surgical facilitiesDetection of soft tissue foreign bodies by nurse practitioner performed ultrasoundAntihypertensive medications and walking devices are associated with falls from standingThe transfer process: perspectives of transferring physiciansDevelopment of a rodent model for the study of abdominal compartment syndromeClinical efficacy of routine repeat head computed tomography in pediatric traumatic brain injuryEarly warning scores (EWS) in trauma: assessing the “effectiveness” of interventions by a rural ground transport service in the interior of British ColumbiaAccuracy of trauma patient transfer documentation in BCPostoperative echocardiogram after penetrating cardiac injuries: a retrospective studyLoss to follow-up in trauma studies comparing operative methods: a systematic reviewWhat matters where and to whom: a survey of experts on the Canadian pediatric trauma systemA quality initiative to enhance pain management for trauma patients: baseline attitudes of practitionersComparison of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) values in massive and nonmassive transfusion patientsMild traumatic brain injury defined by GCS: Is it really mild?The CMAC videolaryngosocpe is superior to the glidescope for the intubation of trauma patients: a prospective analysisInjury patterns and outcome of urban versus suburban major traumaA cost-effective, readily accessible technique for progressive abdominal closureEvolution and impact of the use of pan-CT scan in a tertiary urban trauma centre: a 4-year auditAdditional and repeated CT scan in interfacilities trauma transfers: room for standardizationPediatric trauma in situ simulation facilitates identification and resolution of system issuesHospital code orange plan: there’s an app for thatDiaphragmatic rupture from blunt trauma: an NTDB studyEarly closure of open abdomen using component separation techniqueSurgical fixation versus nonoperative management of flail chest: a meta-analysisIntegration of intraoperative angiography as part of damage control surgery in major traumaMass casualty preparedness of regional trauma systems: recommendations for an evaluative frameworkDiagnostic peritoneal aspirate: An obsolete diagnostic modality?Blunt hollow viscus injury: the frequency and consequences of delayed diagnosis in the era of selective nonoperative managementEnding “double jeopardy:” the diagnostic impact of cardiac ultrasound and chest radiography on operative sequencing in penetrating thoracoabdominal traumaAre trauma patients with hyperfibrinolysis diagnosed by rotem salvageable?The risk of cardiac injury after penetrating thoracic trauma: Which is the better predictor, hemodynamic status or pericardial window?The online Concussion Awareness Training Toolkit for health practitioners (CATT): a new resource for recognizing, treating, and managing concussionThe prevention of concussion and brain injury in child and youth team sportsRandomized controlled trial of an early rehabilitation intervention to improve return to work Rates following road traumaPhone call follow-upPericardiocentesis in trauma: a systematic review. Can J Surg 2013. [DOI: 10.1503/cjs.005813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Abstract
Shiftwork has numerous negative effects on workers, but it is an essential component of the demanding 24/7 practice of emergency medicine. We conducted a systematic literature review to characterize the effects of shiftwork on physician health, well-being and practice, and to describe rational strategies to mitigate its impact on Canadian emergency physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Frank
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Varner C, Ovens H, Letovsky E, Borgundvaag B. Practice patterns of graduates of a CCFP(EM) residency program: a survey. Can Fam Physician 2012; 58:e385-e389. [PMID: 22798475 PMCID: PMC3395545] [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
OBJECTIVE To determine the practice settings of graduates of a residency program that leads to a Certificate of Special Competence in Emergency Medicine (CCFP[EM]). DESIGN Web-based survey using standard Dillman methodology. SETTING Canada. PARTICIPANTS All graduates of the CCFP(EM) residency training program at the University of Toronto (U of T) in Ontario between 1982 and 2009. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Practice type and location, job satisfaction, and nonclinical EM activities of graduates of a CCFP(EM) residency program. RESULTS Of 146 graduates surveyed, 88 responded (response rate of 60.3%). All of the respondents indicated that they had practised EM at some point after completing the CCFP(EM) program at U of T. At survey completion, 76.7% were practising EM. Of the EM-practising cohort, 93.9% worked in urban or suburban hospitals as opposed to rural settings. Those practising EM expressed high levels of job satisfaction, with 83.3% reporting a score of 8 or higher on a 10-point satisfaction scale. Most (57.0%) of the graduates of the CCFP(EM) residency program at U of T had participated in leadership activities in EM on local, provincial, or national levels. CONCLUSION Most graduates of the CCFP(EM) residency program continue to practise EM, and most of them practise in urban and suburban environments. The low attrition rate of CCFP(EM) graduates should be regarded as a success of the CCFP(EM) program, and the geographic distribution of all physicians, including EM providers, warrants further study to help plan future physician resources in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Varner
- Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Ontario is Canada's most populous province, with approximately 12 million people and 130 emergency departments (EDs). Canada has a national single-payer universal health care system, but provinces are responsible for administration. After years of problems and failed attempts to address chronic ED overcrowding, in April 2008 Ontario embarked on an ambitious program to improve system performance through targeted investments (initially CAN$500 million over 3 years) and realigned incentives. Supporting the program were requirements for hospitals to submit timely data and targets for length of stay (LOS) and annual improvements; results are publicly reported. The program has been continued this year. While not all our provincial level targets have been met as yet, major improvements have been made, especially in access to care and LOS in the ED for patients eventually discharged home. The greatest improvements were made among the cohort of mainly urban, high-volume EDs that had the worst performance at baseline. This presentation will highlight some of the controversies and challenges and key lessons learned. Overall, the Ontario experience suggests ED overcrowding is a soluble problem, but requires a system-level intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
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Borgundvaag B, Ovens H, Goldman B, Schull M, Rutledge T, Boutis K, Walmsley S, McGeer A, Rachlis A, Farquarson C. SARS outbreak in the Greater Toronto Area: the emergency department experience. CMAJ 2004; 171:1342-4. [PMID: 15557583 PMCID: PMC527332 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.1031580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Ovens
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Centre, Toronto, Ont.
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Ovens H, Thompson J, Lyver M, Murray MJ, Innes G. Implications of the SARS outbreak for Canadian emergency departments. CAN J EMERG MED 2003; 5:343-7. [PMID: 17466143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Howard Ovens
- Schwartz-Reisman Emergency Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ovens H. Universality: a call for compassion. CAN J EMERG MED 2002; 4:216-7. [PMID: 17609012 DOI: 10.1017/s1481803500006448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Howard Ovens
- Schwartz-Reisman Emergency Centre, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ducharme J, Currie T, Ovens H, Rutledge T, Thompson J. Acute stroke management. Can Fam Physician 2001; 47:2458. [PMID: 11785275 PMCID: PMC2018480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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Ovens H. "The suicidal gesture". Acad Emerg Med 1996; 3:817. [PMID: 8853680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Ovens H, Allen R, Cohen E. Who will practise emergency medicine? Survey of family medicine graduates. Can Fam Physician 1993; 39:1356-65. [PMID: 8324405 PMCID: PMC2379602] [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: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A survey of recent family medicine graduates showed that two thirds were doing no emergency work. Those who had originally planned to practise emergency medicine were more likely to be doing it than those who had not. More women than men dropped their plans to do emergency work. Two thirds of those who had dropped their plans thought their training had influenced the decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ovens
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
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Ovens H. The challenge of missed myocardial infarction. Ann Emerg Med 1990; 19:1074. [PMID: 2393175 DOI: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)82588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Ovens H. Part I: the difficult patient: medical and legal approaches. Can Fam Physician 1989; 35:1797-1802. [PMID: 21249058 PMCID: PMC2280874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Difficult patients are defined as those who elicit strong negative emotions from their physicians. If not acknowledged and managed correctly, these feelings can lead to diagnostic errors, unpleasant confrontations, and troublesome complaints or legal claims. The author reviews common personalities and situations that are associated with difficult encounters in emergency departments and describes an approach stressing flexibility in communication and the early establishment of rapport. He discusses diagnostic possibilities in the agitated or confused, unco-operative patient, reviews relevant laws governing restraint and competence to consent, and outlines techniques to reduce medicolegal risks.
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Ovens H. Anaphylaxis due to vaccination in the office. CMAJ 1986; 134:369-70. [PMID: 3942946 PMCID: PMC1490805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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