Rehabilitation needs after critical illness: Referral outcomes from a ICU follow up clinic in Northern Ireland

Introduction: In 2019/20 a total of 171,900 people were admitted to adult general intensive care units (ICU) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a survival rate of 79.6% at hospital discharge.1 Patients who survive critical illness and admission to ICU often experience ICU-related long-term physical and non-physical impairments and disability following hospital discharge.2 National guidance advocates multidisciplinary team (MDT) follow up to identify and manage the unmet health needs of this patient population.3-4 The UK has seen an increase in the number of follow up services available in the last 7 years.2 The Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the need to provide this service, locally resulting in the establishment of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) ICU follow up clinic in July 2020. The follow up clinic is offered to patients aged = 18 years, an ICU length of stay of = 4 days, who have been discharged from an inpatient setting within the last 12 weeks and do not receive follow up from any other established care pathway. The clinic consists of an ICU Nurse, Doctor, Clinical Psychologist and Physiotherapist. Patients are offered either a virtual, face-to-face or telephone appointment. Objective(s): To identify unmet rehabilitation needs and onward referral requirements of patients presenting at an ICU follow-up clinic in Northern Ireland. Method(s): Data was gathered retrospectively using an excel database detailing patient demographics, appointment details and onward referrals generated from the clinic. Data was analysed for a set time period between the 01/12/2021 - 09/02/2022. The type of referral and the profession responsible were captured. Result(s): During the time period eight post ICU follow up clinics were completed. A total of 36 patient's attended (14 male and 22 female). Six appointments were attended virtually via MS Teams, 12 via telephone and 18 face-to-face. Twenty-three (64%) of the patients required at least one onward health referral. A total of 61 onward health referrals were generated from this population. Table 1 details the number of onwards referrals by speciality. Conclusion(s): Approximately 64% of patients who attended the post ICU follow up clinic, during a 10 week period, demonstrated unmet rehabilitation needs resulting in onward health referrals. This data supports the need for a post ICU follow up clinic at BHSCT to identify ongoing need, ensure transition of care to relevant services and optimise patient's physical and psychological outcomes. One limitation of this study is that not all recommended allied health professionals are commissioned for the clinic which may impact on the health needs identified. Future work should consider the impact of this and discussions regarding the need for a commissioned post ICU follow up clinic which is truly MDT for this patient population should be considered.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of a pharmacist-managed protocol for the transition from intravenous to subcutaneous insulin

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a pharmacist-managed protocol for transitioning critically ill patients from intravenous (iv) to subcutaneous insulin compared with a provider-managed process. Method(s): This single-center, retrospective, observational study included patients admitted to the medical or surgical/trauma intensive care unit who received a continuous infusion of iv insulin from January 2019 to April 2021. Patients were excluded if they were less than 18 years of age, pregnant, incarcerated, or received iv insulin for the diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, calcium channel blocker or beta blocker overdose, or hypertriglyceridemia. The primary outcome was the percentage of blood glucose (BG) concentrations within the target range of 70-150 mg/dL from 0 to 48 h following transition to subcutaneous insulin. Secondary outcomes included percentage of BG concentrations within goal range following transition at 0-12 h and 12-24 h, incidence of hypo- and hyperglycemia, and percentage of patients requiring dose adjustments after initial transition. Result(s): A total of 110 unique patients were included with 70 patients in the provider-managed group and 40 patients in the pharmacist-managed group. On average, pharmacists transitioned patients to 63% basal insulin based on their 24-h total day dose of insulin. The pharmacist-managed group achieved glycemic control in 53% of transitions at 12 h, 40% at 24 h, and 47% from 0 to 48 h, while the provider group achieved glycemic control in 25% of transitions at 12 h, 12% at 24 h, and 18% from 0 to 48 h (p < 0.001 for all time points). As for safety end points, the pharmacist-managed group demonstrated lower rates of hypoglycemia (p = 0.001), severe hypoglycemia (p = 0.332), hyperglycemia (p < 0.001), and severe hyperglycemia (p < 0.001) compared with the provider-managed group. Conclusion(s): Pharmacists can effectively and safely transition critically ill patients from iv to subcutaneous insulin utilizing a standardized protocol.Copyright © 2023 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

A Quality Improvement Project Impacts Resident Satisfaction with the Depart Process

Purpose of Study The current depart process resulted in slow work-flow and patient safety and equity concerns. The QI project aimed to improve resident satisfaction with the hospital discharge process. Methods Used The QI project was designed using the Model for Improvement. Starting April 2020, Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles included: hiring clinical team coordinators;creating standard depart instructions for diabetic ketoacidosis, pyelonephritis, seizures, croup and dehydration;uploading instructions to Powerchart;and clinician reminders to use instructions with families. Measures examined monthly, included resident satisfaction and patient readmissions. Summary of Results Resident satisfaction improved from 4.8 (February 2020) to 7.8 (August 2020) for the overall discharge process;from 5.3 to 7.9 for family education on all key points;from 6.0 to 7.7 for smooth transition of care;from 3.0 to 7.4 for no language barriers;and from 3.0 to 6.7 for no unnecessary delays, on a scale of 0/strongly disagree/ terrible to 10/strongly agree/excellent. Readmissions also trended downward. Conclusions During this QI project to address the depart process, resident satisfaction improved and readmissions declined. These results are encouraging, but should be interpreted in the context of decreased patient census due to COVID-19 and non-respiratory season, which may have decreased workload and increased education time and interpreter access. Next steps include PDSAs related to health literacy and Spanish translation.

Management of Pregnant Woman in their Third Trimester with SARS-COV-2 Symptoms in the Rural Setting

Objective: Can a way forward be created to establish baseline criteria to better assist aeromedical transport crews with optimizing care and increasing the probability of survival of acutely distressed women in their third trimester of pregnancy with SARS-COV-2 symptoms? Information has been derived from a mixed methods research approach. Pregnant individuals with SARS-COV-2 are at increased risk of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and death compared with both pregnant individuals without SARS-CoV-2 infection and nonpregnant adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection1. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect up to 20% of pregnancies in the United States and are leading causes of serious obstetric morbidity1. The focus of this research included nearly 2,400 pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 and found that those with moderate to severe infection were more likely to have a cesarean delivery, to deliver preterm, to die around the time of birth, or to experience serious illness from hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, or from infection other than SARS-CoV-2. They were also more likely to lose the pregnancy or to have an infant die during the newborn period. Mild or asymptomatic infection was not associated with increased pregnancy risks. Method(s): We intend to develop an algorithm based on current guidelines to smooth the transition of care from prehospital to intrahospital. We will use the guidelines set forth by The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). In addition, we will take an example of the policies and procedures from a prehospital care aeromedical flight service for inclusion in our proposed treatment recommendation(s). Result(s): We will then use the guidelines to make an all-encompassing protocol to guide the whole trip from onset of symptoms to in hospital care. We believe that a protocol that encompasses the whole of both systems, prehospital flight and in hospital, will help to streamline patient care tasks and reduce the probabilities of morbidity and mortality. Conclusion(s): The aeromedical community should seek out partnerships with the appropriate entities to provide invaluable information about a critical time of transitioning the patient from the point of access to the healthcare system to the appropriate definitive care facility. The aeromedical community has specialized paramedics, nurses, and physicians with knowledge and experience that cannot easily be quantified. These efforts could result in treatment modalities addressing acute management intra/inter hospital upon initial publication and equip air medical personnel with additional critical care education and knowledge to take back to their perceptive communities to enhance the probability of survival with pregnant women adversely affected by SARS-COV-2.Copyright © 2022

Exploring the perspectives of older adults and health care providers on patient participation in transitional care from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Older adults who transition from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation settings often are vulnerable and at risk of experiencing adverse health care outcomes. Given the complexities of transitional care, it is crucial to engage older adults in the clinical decision-making process and to promote their active participation in their medical care. Older adults have unique ways of understanding their participation in the transitional care process. Gaining an in-depth understanding of their specific needs during this process can help inform clinical practice and interventions aiming to improve care for older adults living with cardiovascular disease. Focused ethnography methodology was used to explore the perspectives of older adults and health care providers on patient participation in transitional care from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation. The study also sought to identify and to gain a better and more in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape participation for older adults during transitional care from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 older adults and 6 healthcare providers from cardiac rehabilitation and cardiology units. Additional methods included document analysis and reflexive journaling. Thematic analysis revealed six themes and fifteen subthemes. Themes included: Follow-up from Healthcare Provides, Interactions with Healthcare Providers, Support from Family Members, Information about Medical Care and Rehabilitation, Decision-Making and Participation, and Healthcare Journey during COVID-19. Older adults reported gaps in follow-up and insufficient spaces or opportunities for participation in decision-making. Healthcare provider's support was reported as essential for a smooth transition, particularly nurses' support. The COVID-19 pandemic was mostly reported as a major barrier for participants, especially in terms of delayed medical procedures and difficult hospitalization experiences. Some participants, particularly those who seek social connection, viewed technology and virtual care negatively. However, virtual care delivery also was reported as a fruitful strategy to engage older adults in their care and to overcome transportation barriers. The results of this study can help inform the implementation of strategies that will engage older adults more actively in their care, as they transition from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Telerehabilitation in the Transitional Care of Patients with Sequelae Associated with COVID-19: Perception of Portuguese Nurses.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many changes and challenges to health professionals, due to a lack of knowledge when dealing with the disease, fear of contagion, and the sequelae that characterize long COVID. To deal with this situation, respiratory rehabilitation programs are recommended in face-to-face and/or telerehabilitation modalities. (1) Background: This study had as its primary aim identifying the aspects/components to be considered in the planning and implementation of telerehabilitation interventions that guarantee transitional care for people with long COVID-19 after hospitalization and as a secondary aim identifying the positive aspects of telerehabilitation. (2) Methods: The method used to answer the research question was a focus group, carried out online with eight nurses specialized in rehabilitation nursing. The answers to the semi-structured interview were subjected to content analysis, and qualitative data analysis software (WebQDA®) was used to organize and analyze the findings. (3) Results: Four categories emerged from the content analysis: coordination between care levels; transitional care telerehabilitation intervention; advantages of telerehabilitation; and opportunities. (4) Conclusions: These findings make an important contribution to the reorganization of transitional care, allowing the identification of central aspects to be considered in the planning and implementation of telerehabilitation programs for people with long COVID.

Toward Evidence-Based Practice

Experts suggest how 6 research articles can be used in nursing practice.

Massive empyema due to Lactococcus garvieae

Introduction Lactococcus garvieae, a zoonotic pathogen, may rarely infect humans through the consumption of fish. Documented manifestations of L. garvieae infection in humans include infective endocarditis, prosthetic joint infections, liver abscesses, peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, infective spondylodiscitis, acalculous cholecystitis, and urinary tract infection. Case report An 87-year-old female was hospitalized for coffee-ground emesis secondary to acute gastritis after eating cooked fish. One week after her discharge, she developed new-onset confusion and was returned to the hospital. Chest computed tomography revealed total consolidation of the left lung and a multiloculated left pleural effusion. The patient required intubation and direct admission to the intensive care unit. Pleural fluid and blood cultures grew L. garvieae, which was susceptible to ceftriaxone, penicillin, and vancomycin. Despite intensive antibiotic therapy and supportive care for thirteen days, the patient remained in irreversibl e shock, and the family opted for comfort care. Conclusions Heretofore unreported, this case demonstrates that L. garvieae can cause bronchopneumonia and empyema. Copyright © GERMS 2022.

The study protocol to evaluate implementation of the transitional care model in four U.S. healthcare systems during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This study protocol describes the conceptual framework, design, and methods being employed to evaluate the implementation of the Transitional Care Model (TCM) as part of a randomized controlled trial. The trial, designed to examine the health and cost outcomes of at-risk hospitalized older adults, is being conducted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This parallel study is guided by the Practical, Robust, Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) and uses a fixed, mixed methods convergent parallel design to identify challenges encountered by participating hospitals and post-acute and community-based providers that impact the implementation of the TCM with fidelity, strategies implemented to address those challenges and the relationships between challenges, strategies, and rates of fidelity to TCM's core components over time. Prior to the study's launch and throughout its implementation, qualitative and quantitative data related to COVID and non-COVID challenges are being collected via surveys and meetings with healthcare system staff. Strategies implemented to address challenges and fidelity to TCM's core components are also being assessed. Analyses of quantitative (established metrics to evaluate TCM's core components) and qualitative data (barriers and facilitators to implementation) are being conducted independently. These datasets are then merged and interpreted together. General linear and mixed effects modeling using all merged data and patients' socio-demographic and social determinants of health characteristics, will be used to examine relationships between key variables and fidelity rates. Implications of study findings in the context of COVID-19 and future research opportunities are suggested. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04212962.

Connect-Home transitional care from skilled nursing facilities to home: A stepped wedge, cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients and their caregivers who transition to home experience complications and frequently return to acute care. We tested the efficacy of the Connect-Home transitional care intervention on patient and caregiver preparedness for care at home, and other patient and caregiver-reported outcomes. METHODS: We used a stepped wedge, cluster-randomized trial design to test the intervention against standard discharge planning (control). The setting was six SNFs and six home health offices in one agency. Participants were 327 dyads of patients discharged from SNF to home and their caregivers; 11.1% of dyads in the control condition and 81.2% in the intervention condition were enrolled after onset of COVID-19. Patients were 63.9% female and mean age was 76.5 years. Caregivers were 73.7% female and mean age was 59.5 years. The Connect-Home intervention includes tools, training, and technical assistance to deliver transitional care in SNFs and patients' homes. Primary outcomes measured at 7 days included patient and caregiver measures of preparedness for care at home, the Care Transitions Measure-15 (patient) and the Preparedness for Caregiving Scale (caregiver). Secondary outcomes measured at 30 and 60 days included the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire, Life Space Assessment, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, Distress Thermometer, and self-reported number of patient days in the ED or hospital in 30 and 60 days following SNF discharge. RESULTS: The intervention was not associated with improvement in patient or caregiver outcomes in the planned analyses. Post-hoc analyses that distinguished between pre- and post-pandemic effects suggest the intervention may be associated with increased patient preparedness for discharge and decreased number of acute care days. CONCLUSIONS: Connect-Home transitional care did not improve outcomes in the planned statistical analysis. Post-hoc findings accounting for COVID-19 impact suggest SNF transitional care has potential to increase patient preparedness and decrease return to acute care.

Exploring the perspectives of older adults and health care providers on patient participation in transitional care from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Older adults who transition from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation settings often are vulnerable and at risk of experiencing adverse health care outcomes. Given the complexities of transitional care, it is crucial to engage older adults in the clinical decision-making process and to promote their active participation in their medical care. Older adults have unique ways of understanding their participation in the transitional care process. Gaining an in-depth understanding of their specific needs during this process can help inform clinical practice and interventions aiming to improve care for older adults living with cardiovascular disease. Focused ethnography methodology was used to explore the perspectives of older adults and health care providers on patient participation in transitional care from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation. The study also sought to identify and to gain a better and more in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities that shape participation for older adults during transitional care from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 older adults and 6 healthcare providers from cardiac rehabilitation and cardiology units. Additional methods included document analysis and reflexive journaling. Thematic analysis revealed six themes and fifteen subthemes. Themes included: Follow-up from Healthcare Provides, Interactions with Healthcare Providers, Support from Family Members, Information about Medical Care and Rehabilitation, Decision-Making and Participation, and Healthcare Journey during COVID-19. Older adults reported gaps in follow-up and insufficient spaces or opportunities for participation in decision-making. Healthcare provider's support was reported as essential for a smooth transition, particularly nurses' support. The COVID-19 pandemic was mostly reported as a major barrier for participants, especially in terms of delayed medical procedures and difficult hospitalization experiences. Some participants, particularly those who seek social connection, viewed technology and virtual care negatively. However, virtual care delivery also was reported as a fruitful strategy to engage older adults in their care and to overcome transportation barriers. The results of this study can help inform the implementation of strategies that will engage older adults more actively in their care, as they transition from hospital to cardiac rehabilitation settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Influence of transitional care on the clinical manifestations among patients with COVID­19: A single­center, double­blinded, randomized survey.

Pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are the major complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Transitional care is indispensable in successfully transitioning patients with COVID-19 from hospital to home and preventing adverse events of this disease. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of transitional care on improvements in inflammation and pulmonary function in patients with COVID-19. Data of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (n=242) discharged from Mudanjiang Medical University (Mudanjiang, China) between May 2020 and October 2020 were retrospectively collected. Patients with COVID-19 had been hospitalized and assigned to receive transitional care (n=126) or usual care (n=116) and were followed up for 12 months. Hospital stay, inflammation and pulmonary function were compared in patients with COVID-19 between the transitional care and usual care group. Transitional care significantly improved physical symptoms, anxiety, depression and empathy of the patients for other patients affected. Compared to the usual care group, marked improvements in typical symptoms, including dyspnea, asthenia, cough, nausea, chest pain, myalgia, headache, fever, diarrhea, chest pain, dizziness, conjunctivitis, as well as disorders of smell and taste, were observed in the transitional care group. Patients in the transitional care group had a shorter hospital stay than those patients in the usual care group. Furthermore, transitional care decreased inflammation and ameliorated pulmonary function in patients with COVID-19. In conclusion, transitional care has an essential role in the improvement of physical symptoms, inflammation and pulmonary function in patients with COVID-19 [Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) registration no. ChiCTR2200060295; 26.05.2022].

Informal carers' support needs, facilitators and barriers in the transitional care of older adults: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Inclusion of informal carers in transitional care is challenging because of fast throughput and service fragmentation. This study aimed to understand informal carers' needs during the care transitions of older adults from inpatient care to the community. METHODS: A qualitative exploratory design was used with mixed-methods data collection. Seventeen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with family carers; one focus group was conducted by videoconference with two family carers and three community-based advocacy and aged care providers; and eight semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with healthcare practitioners from rehabilitation services. Data were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: All carers described the main social challenge that they needed to address in transitional care as 'Needing to sustain family'. Carers reported their social needs across five solutions: 'Partnering with carers', 'Advocating for discharge', 'Accessing streamlined multidisciplinary care', 'Knowing how to care' and 'Accessing follow-up care in the community'. Focus group participants endorsed the findings from the carer interviews and added the theme 'Putting responsibility back onto carers'. All healthcare practitioners described the main social challenge that they needed to address as 'Needing to engage carers'. They reported their social solutions in three themes: 'Communicating with carers', 'Planning with carers' and 'Educating carers'. DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the importance of reconstructing the meaning of transitional care and relevant outcomes to be inclusive of carers' experiences and their focus on sustaining family. Transitional care that includes carers should commence at the time of hospital admission of the older adult. CONCLUSIONS: Future sustainable and high-quality health services for older adults will require transitional care that includes carers and older adults and efficient use of inpatient and community care resources. Healthcare professionals will require education and skills in the provision of transitional care that includes carers. To meet carers' support needs, models of transitional care inclusive of carers and older adults should be developed, implemented and evaluated. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study was conducted with the guidance of a Carer Advisory Group comprising informal carers with experience of care transitions of older adults they support and community-based organizations providing care and advocacy support to informal carers.

REIMAGINING CARE AFTER THE ICU: LEVERAGING TELEMEDICINE FOR PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 IN THE ICU

SESSION TITLE: What Lessons Will We Take From the Pandemic? SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Original Inv PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 11:15 am - 12:15 pm PURPOSE: Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) affects 50% of ICU survivors leading to significant healthcare utilization. COVID-19 survivors are at higher risk for developing PICS given the prolonged duration of critical illness. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of using telemedicine (TM) for the transitional care (TC) of post ICU COVID-19 survivors. METHODS: This prospective randomized un-blinded controlled study was conducted from July 2021 to January 2022. Adults admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19 infection and discharged home were included. Those who lacked communication and internet services, and had pre-morbid conditions preventing independent self-care were excluded. 40 patients were recruited with 20 patients in each arm. The study group (SG) underwent a telemedicine (TM) visit within 2 weeks of discharge, where vital signs logs (VSL), virtual six-minute walk test (v6MWT), and EuroQoL 5-Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire were reviewed. The control group (CG) received a TM visit within 6 weeks of discharge and completed the EQ-5D questionnaire. This study was approved by the WVU IRB (#2104284924). RESULTS: Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. Completion rate of the VSL and v6MWT was 50% in the SG. 39% of SG came off oxygen supplementation compared to 33% in the CG. There was less anxiety/depression, increased request, and compliance to follow-up in pulmonary clinic noted in SG compared to CG, however this difference was not statistically significant. All readmissions were non- preventable (n=3;2 CG, 1 SG). 100% survival rate was noted in both groups at 30-days. 5% of patients were lost to follow up in both groups due to non-working communication devices and lack of response despite multiple attempts made for the TM visit. 67% (2/3) of primary care physicians (PCP) felt that this intervention helped establish continuity of care. 83% (5/6) of participants felt that an intensivist led TC visit provided closure for their ICU hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference noted in outcomes between the 2 groups, however, this is likely due to underpowered sample sizes. This form of TC is well received by both PCP and patients in screening and mitigation of PICS. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This pilot study is the first in the region to show the acceptability and feasibility of using TM for the TC of ICU COVID survivors. It is vital to ensure ICU survivors receive targeted multidisciplinary management to prevent PICS. TM can be utilized in the future for the TC of all ICU survivors. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Ariful Alam No relevant relationships by Bathmapriya Balakrishnan No relevant relationships by Lucas Hamrick No relevant relationships by Sunil Sharma Consultant relationship with Res Med Please note: 7/2021-Present Added 03/31/2022 by Robert Stansbury, value=Consulting fee No relevant relationships by Jesse Thompson

POST-COVID-19 ASPERGILLOSIS

SESSION TITLE: Post-COVID-19 Infection Complications SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Since the start of Covid-19 pandemic, several respiratory microorganisms have been identified that cause coinfection with Sars-Cov-2. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and viruses like influenza are some of the identified pathogens. Rarely, fungal infections from Aspergillus are also being reported. CASE PRESENTATION: 59-year-old male with past medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia was admitted for shortness of breath and was found to be positive for Covid-19. He received Remdesivir, dexamethasone & tocilizumab. He required non-invasive ventilation via continuous positive airway pressure but continued to remain hypoxemic with elevated procalcitonin, he was treated with cefepime for bacterial pneumonia. Patient required emergent intubation and eventually underwent tracheostomy. He developed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia for which he received vancomycin. He was eventually discharged to long term acute care facility. Patient was readmitted after 2 months due to worsening respiratory status. Computed Tomography Angiography of chest was negative for pulmonary embolism but showed pleural effusion. He underwent thoracentesis which showed exudative effusion with negative cultures. Echocardiogram showed right heart failure. Patient's symptoms were believed to be due to Covid-19 fibrosis. He required home oxygen and also received pulmonary rehabilitation. One year after the initial Covid-19 infection, he developed pulmonary hypertension and was referred for lung transplant consultation. However, he developed severe hemoptysis requiring intubation and vasopressors. Galactomannan was positive, Karius digital culture revealed Aspergillus Niger for which he received voriconazole. He was not deemed a suitable candidate for lobectomy. Patient developed arrhythmia and had prolonged QT interval so voriconazole was switched to Isavuconazole. He continued to have hemoptysis and his condition did not improve so family requested to transition care and patient passed away. DISCUSSION: Several studies have proven co-infection of Aspergillus with Covid-19. This case highlights Aspergillus infection approximately 1 year after initial Covid-19 infection. Sars-Cov-2 causes damage to airway lining which can result in Aspergillus invading tissues. IL-6 is increased in severe Covid-19 infection. Tocilizumab is an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody that has been approved for treatment of Covid-19 pneumonia. However, IL-6 provides immunity against Aspergillus so use of tocilizumab decreases protection against Aspergillosis which is usually the reason for co-infection. However, in this case patient developed fungal infection later during Covid-19 fibrosis stage. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing fungal etiology early on is important in Covid-19 patients as mortality is high and appropriate intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality. Some patient may eventually require lung resection. Reference #1: Kakamad FH, Mahmood SO, Rahim HM, Abdulla BA, Abdullah HO, Othman S, Mohammed SH, Kakamad SH, Mustafa SM, Salih AM. Post covid-19 invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis: a case report. International journal of surgery case reports. 2021 May 1;82:105865. Reference #2: Nasrullah A, Javed A, Malik K. Coronavirus Disease-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A Devastating Complication of COVID-19. Cureus. 2021 Jan 30;13(1). Reference #3: Dimopoulos G, Almyroudi MP, Myrianthefs P, Rello J. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA). Journal of Intensive Medicine. 2021 Oct 25;1(02):71-80. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Maria Haider Baig

Improving transitional care through online communication skills training.

BACKGROUND: As the aging population is increasing significantly, the communication skills training (CST) on transitional care (TC) is insufficient. AIMS: This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an intervention (the online TC CST [OTCCST] and TC) through the perspectives of healthcare providers (HCPs), older patients, and family members. METHODS: A total of 38 HCPs caring for older patients were randomized to the experimental (n = 18) or control groups (n = 20), and 84 pairs of patients and family members were enrolled (experimental: n = 42 vs. control: n = 42). The primary outcome was HCP communication confidence; while secondary outcomes included patient quality of life (QoL), activities of daily living (ADL), rehospitalization counts, and family caregiving burden. Data were collected from HCPs using a scale measuring confidence in communicating with patients. Patient outcomes were assessed using the McGill QoL Questionnaire-Revised and Barthel Index. Family members were assessed with the Caregiver Burden Inventory. Rehospitalization counts were tracked for 3 months post-discharge. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Experimental group HCPs showed a significant improvement in communication confidence over the control group (p = 0.0006). Furthermore, experimental group patients had significantly fewer rehospitalization counts within 3-month post-discharge (p < 0.05). However, no significant group differences were found in patient QoL and ADL nor in family caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: The OTCCST can effectively improve HCP communication confidence, and the combination of OTCCST and TC can reduce rehospitalization counts for older patients. The OTCCST allows HCPs to learn asynchronously at their convenience, ideal for continuing education, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Care Navigation Increases Initiation of Hepatitis C Treatment After Release From Prison in a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial: The C-LINK Study.

Background: Prison-based hepatitis C treatment is safe and effective; however, many individuals are released untreated due to time or resource constraints. On community re-entry, individuals face a number of immediate competing priorities, and in this context, linkage to hepatitis C care is low. Interventions targeted at improving healthcare continuity after prison release have yielded positive outcomes for other health diagnoses; however, data regarding hepatitis C transitional care are limited. Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing a hepatitis C care navigator intervention with standard of care for individuals released from prison with untreated hepatitis C infection. The primary outcome was prescription of hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAA) within 6 months of release. Results: Forty-six participants were randomized. The median age was 36 years and 59% were male. Ninety percent (n = 36 of 40) had injected drugs within 6 months before incarceration. Twenty-two were randomized to care navigation and 24 were randomized to standard of care. Individuals randomized to the intervention were more likely to commence hepatitis C DAAs within 6 months of release (73%, n = 16 of 22 vs 33% n = 8 of 24, P < .01), and the median time between re-entry and DAA prescription was significantly shorter (21 days [interquartile range {IQR}, 11-42] vs 82 days [IQR, 44-99], P = .049). Conclusions: Care navigation increased hepatitis C treatment uptake among untreated individuals released from prison. Public policy should support similar models of care to promote treatment in this high-risk population. Such an approach will help achieve hepatitis C elimination as a public health threat.

Using quality improvement to develop transition to adult care at a UK cystic fibrosis (CF) centre

Objective: Following the creation of a quality improvement (QI) lead in the Oxford adult CF service, key areas for development were identified. Increased use of virtual care and CFTR modulators highlighted a need to adapt our transition process to meet the changing needs of young people with CF (pwCF). Our aim was to facilitate collaboration across adult and paediatric teams to identify areas for improvement. Method: We led a process of stakeholder engagement including meeting with other CF and non-CF transition services. Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) QI meetings were held within the adult service to identify whatwas considered a successful transfer of care. We observed the first in-person transition clinic since the pandemic, and distributed electronic surveys of the clinic experience to pwCF, carers, and staff. Lastly, we held a virtual cross-service QI meeting to present findings, aiming to reach consensus on areas for change. Results: 5/5 pwCF and 5/5 carers completed the clinic surveys. Both identified their main priorities: to meet the adult team and receive a clinical review. Comments identified anxiety discussing future life plans too young or repetitively. 3/5 pwCF and 3/5 carers preferred the carer to be present throughout the visit. 7/9 staff completed the survey. There was general agreement of clinic objectives that 6/7 felt were met. Comments were around clinic location, pre-meeting, and coordinating MDTreviewcontent. Holding a face-to-face clinic was perceived as important. Overall, the MDTs agreed on 5 areas for improvement: documentation;patient information;clinic meetings;individual profession handovers;and identifying pwCF requiring bespoke transition. Conclusion: Protected time for QI provided a forum to bring paediatric and adult CF teams together to identify shared priorities for improvement of local transition care. A QI lead role has allowed us to drive service development during the COVID-19 pandemic and introduction of CFTR modulators.

MAKING AN IMPACT ON THE COVID PANDEMIC

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM/QUESTION: When hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNF) were impacted during the COVID surge, what healthcare delivery model can be used to increase hospital bed capacity while maintaining quality care for marginalized patients with no access to a SNF? DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM/INTERVENTION: Background - Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is the second largest public safety net healthcare system in California. During the COVID surge, our hospitals experienced a significant demand for hospital beds. At this time, SNFs were impacted and did not accept patients with barriers in discharge planning. Problem: How to safely discharge non-acute patients with no accepting SNF to increase hospital bed capacity. Intervention: Develop a post-acute care team (PACT) for marginalized, non-acute patients. These patients were initially hospitalized for severe medical conditions but could not be safely discharged once stabilized. During the COVID surge, Santa Clara County operationalized a 36-bed, lowacuity hospital called DePaul Health Center (DPHC) through an emergency state-issued alternative care license. DPHC implemented a novel healthcare model for post-acute transitions of vulnerable, non-acute patients during a resource-constrained time period. Of the 131 admissions to DPHC, 42% had unstable housing, 29% had active substance use, and 100% had no accepting SNFs. The operationalization involved: - Training volunteer outpatient providers to work in an inpatient setting with COVID-positive patients. - Building a referral model to include all hospitals in our county. - Transition of care services including: direct transition to drug treatment programs, linkage to medical respites, COVID vaccinations, specialty care followup, and medication delivery/teaching at bedside. MEASURES OF SUCCESS: - Number of hospital bed days saved. - Number of additional potential hospital admissions. - Implementation of high-quality inpatient services for non-acute patients. FINDINGS TO DATE: Over six months, DPHC admitted 127 patients across three county hospitals. DPHC allowed for a potential 446 additional hospital admissions (based on 2232 potential bed days saved and an average hospital LOS of 5 days per hospital admission). KEY LESSONS FOR DISSEMINATION: - Establishing a post-acute care team addresses structural inequities prevalent in our healthcare system for marginalized patients. - Incorporating a post-acute care team improves access to SNF for marginalized patients.

A HOSPITAL-BASED COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE LATINX COMMUNITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM/QUESTION: Despite accounting for only 34% of the population in Austin, Latinx individuals made up 50% of those who tested positive for coronavirus, 54% of COVID-related hospitalizations, and 51% of COVID-related deaths between March and June 2020. Of hospitalized patients, 40% had never seen a primary care physician (PCP), had high rates of previously undiagnosed health conditions and significant health-related social needs (HRSNs). DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM/INTERVENTION: We implemented an interdisciplinary pilot program at a local academic teaching hospital to improve community outcomes and address HRSNs. The intervention is led by a bilingual community health worker (CHW), and includes discharge follow-up with patients hospitalized with COVID-19. As the pandemic ebbed and flowed across multiple surges, we expanded the intervention to Latinx patients with other complex health conditions. The full sample was included in the analysis. MEASURES OF SUCCESS: This is a mixed-method evaluation, which includes quantitative patient data (n=96), as well as qualitative data from hospital-based, healthcare professionals (n=26) that collaborated with the CHW. Quantitative data includes patient demographics (age, gender, race, education & insurance), HRSNs, community referrals and primary care followup. Qualitative data was collected via focus groups with case managers, hospitalists, residents and palliative care team members. Focus groups were approximately 60 minutes long, and we used content analysis to identify themes. FINDINGS TO DATE: The majority of patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 (n= 67, 70%) while the rest were diagnosed with other acute conditions. Average length of stay (LOS) was 13.8 days and the median LOS was 8 days. Mean age was 50.6 years, 66% of patients were male and 79% spoke Spanish. Half of the patients had less than a high school education, while 20% had more than a high school education. One-third of patients were employed while the rest were either seeking employment (16%) or nonworking (50%). The majority of patients were either uninsured (42%) or had county-based health coverage for the uninsured (30%). The top HRSNs included food (47%), rental assistance (36%) and utility assistance (36%). Almost half of patients attended a follow up with a PCP. Initial qualitative themes fall into three categories: 1) the role of a CHW, 2) the benefits of a CHW in the hospital and 3) growth opportunities. KEY LESSONS FOR DISSEMINATION: This pilot program demonstrated the capacity for CHWs to raise the hospital scope of care, particularly within the context of COVID-19. CHWs are experts in assessing and addressing HRSNs and can provide complementary services to inpatient care teams. CHWs provide culturally appropriate, transitional care to patients with chronic illnesses, which directly addresses the socioeconomic barriers to receiving continuity of care. Additional and diverse funding mechanism are needed to expand the presence of CHWs in hospital settings and increase the capacity to serve more patients.