Association between electrodiagnosis and neuromuscular ultrasound in the diagnosis and assessment of severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular ultrasound plays an increasing role in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). There are limited data supporting the correlation between the electrodiagnostic studies and ultrasound measurements in CTS. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between different electrodiagnostic severities and ultrasound measurements of the median nerve in CTS. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: An academic tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Patients 18 years or older evaluated with upper limb electrodiagnostic studies and neuromuscular ultrasound. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Ultrasound measurements of the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at the wrist and the calculated wrist-to-forearm ratio (WFR) were compared with the electrodiagnostic severity (normal, mild, moderate, and severe). Mean analysis and analysis of variance test (α = 0.05) were performed to assess the association. RESULTS: A total of 1359 limbs were identified. There was a statistically significant association between electrodiagnostic severity of CTS and median nerve CSA at the wrist (p < .001), as well as the WFR (p < .001). The mean median nerve CSA at the wrist and WFR were 7.01 ± 2.06 mm2 (95% CI: 6.80-7.20) and 1.24 ± 0.36 (95% CI: 1.16-1.24) in electrodiagnostically normal median nerves, 10.47 ± 2.82 mm2 (95% CI: 10.25-10.75) and 2.06 ± 0.67 (95% CI: 2.04-2.16) in electrodiagnostically mild CTS, 12.95 ± 4.74 mm2 (95% CI: 12.41-13.59) and 2.49 ± 1.04 (95% CI: 2.37, 2.63) in electrodiagnostically moderate CTS, and 14.69 ± 5.38 mm2 (95% CI: 13.95-15.44) and 2.71 ± 1.02 (95% CI: 2.56-2.84) in electrodiagnostically severe CTS, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a direct association between electrodiagnostic severity and ultrasound measurements of the median nerve in patients with suspected CTS.

Incidence of Fit Test Failure During N95 Respirator Reuse and Extended Use.

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a widespread acute shortage of N95 respirators, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop guidelines for extended use and limited reuse of N95s for health care workers (HCWs). While HCWs followed these guidelines to conserve N95s, evidence from clinical settings regarding the safety of reuse and extended use is limited. Objective: To measure the incidence of fit test failure during N95 reuse and compare the incidence between N95 types. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study, conducted from April 2, 2021, to July 15, 2022, at 6 US emergency departments (EDs), included HCWs who practiced N95 reuse for more than half of their clinical shift. Those who were unwilling to wear an N95 for most of their shift, repeatedly failed baseline fit testing, were pregnant, or had facial hair or jewelry that interfered with the N95 face seal were excluded. Exposures: Wearing the same N95 for more than half of each clinical shift and for up to 5 consecutive shifts. Participants chose an N95 model available at their institution; models were categorized into 3 types: dome (3M 1860R, 1860S, and 8210), trifold (3M 1870+ and 9205+), and duckbill (Halyard 46727, 46767, and 46827). Participants underwent 2 rounds of testing using a different mask of the same type for each round. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was Occupational Safety and Health Administration-approved qualitative fit test failure. Trained coordinators conducted fit tests after clinical shifts and recorded pass or fail based on participants tasting a bitter solution. Results: A total of 412 HCWs and 824 N95s were fit tested at baseline; 21 N95s (2.5%) were withdrawn. Participants' median age was 34.5 years (IQR, 29.5-41.8 years); 252 (61.2%) were female, and 205 (49.8%) were physicians. The overall cumulative incidence of fit failure after 1 shift was 38.7% (95% CI, 35.4%-42.1%), which differed by N95 type: dome, 25.8% (95% CI, 21.2%-30.6%); duckbill, 28.3% (95% CI, 22.2%-34.7%); and trifold, 61.3% (95% CI, 55.3%-67.3%). The risk of fit failure was significantly higher for trifold than dome N95s (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.46-2.10). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of ED HCWs practicing N95 reuse, fit failure occurred in 38.7% of masks after 1 shift. Trifold N95s had higher incidence of fit failure compared with dome N95s. These results may inform pandemic preparedness, specifically policies related to N95 selection and reuse practices.

Accuracy of the American College of Surgeons Minimum Criteria for Full Trauma Team Activation for Children.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric trauma centers use reports from emergency medical service providers to determine if a trauma team should be sent to the emergency department to prepare to care for the patient. Little scientific evidence supports the current American College of Surgeons (ACS) indicators for trauma team activation. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of the ACS Minimum Criteria for Full Trauma Team Activation for children as well as the accuracy of the modified criteria used at the local sites for trauma activation. METHODS: Emergency medical service providers who transported an injured child aged 15 years or younger to a pediatric trauma center in 1 of 3 cities were interviewed after emergency department arrival. Emergency medical service providers were asked if each of the activation indicators were present based on their evaluation. The need for full trauma team activation was determined through a medical record review using a published criterion standard definition. Undertriage and overtriage rates and positive likelihood ratios (+LRs) were calculated. RESULTS: Emergency medical service provider interviews were conducted and outcome data were obtained for 9483 children. There were 202 (2.1%) cases that met the criterion standard for need for trauma team activation. Based on the ACS Minimum Criteria, 299 (3.0%) cases should have received a trauma activation. The ACS Minimum Criteria undertriaged 44.1% and overtriaged 20% (+LR, 27.9; 95% confidence interval, 23.1-33.7). Based on the actual activation status using the local criteria, 238 cases received a full trauma activation, 45% were undertriaged, and 1.4% were overtriaged (+LR, 40.1; 95% confidence interval, 32.4-49.7). There was 97% agreement between the ACS Minimum Criteria and the actual local activation status at the receiving institution. CONCLUSIONS: The ACS Minimum Criteria for Full Trauma Team Activation for children have a high rate of undertriage. Changes that individual institutions have made to improve the accuracy of activations at their institutions seem to have had a limited effect on decreasing undertriage.

Evaluation of hydroxocobalamin use for the treatment of suspected cyanide toxicity secondary to smoke inhalation.

Hydroxocobalamin is used for cyanide toxicity after smoke inhalation, but diagnosis is challenging. Retrospective studies have associated hydroxocobalamin with acute kidney injury (AKI). This is a retrospective analysis of patients receiving hydroxocobalamin for suspected cyanide toxicity. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients meeting predefined appropriate use criteria defined as ≥1 of the following: serum lactate ≥8 mmol/L, systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg, new-onset seizure, cardiac arrest, or respiratory arrest. Secondary outcomes included incidence of AKI, pneumonia, resolution of initial neurologic symptoms, and in-hospital mortality. Forty-six patients were included; 35 (76%) met the primary outcome. All met appropriate use criteria due to respiratory arrest, 15 (43%) for lactate, 14 (40%) for SBP, 12 (34%) for cardiac arrest. AKI, pneumonia, and resolution of neurologic symptoms occurred in 30%, 21%, and 49% of patients, respectively. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients meeting criteria, 49% vs. 9% (95% CI 0.16, 0.64). When appropriate use criteria were modified to exclude respiratory arrest in a post-hoc analysis, differences were maintained, suggesting respiratory arrest alone is not a critical component to determine hydroxocobalamin administration. Predefined appropriate use criteria identify severely ill smoke inhalation victims and provides hydroxocobalamin treatment guidance.

Self-concept and Narrative Identity in Youth at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Disturbances of the narrative self and personal identity accompany the onset of psychotic disorders in late adolescence and early adulthood (a formative developmental stage for self-concept and personal narratives). However, these issues have primarily been studied retrospectively after illness onset, limiting any inferences about their developmental course. STUDY DESIGN: Youth at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR) (n = 49) and matched healthy comparison youth (n = 52) completed a life story interview (including self-defining memory, turning point, life challenge, and psychotic-like experience) and questionnaires assessing self-esteem, self-beliefs, self-concept clarity, and ruminative/reflective self-focus. Trained raters coded interviews for narrative identity themes of emotional tone, agency, temporal coherence, context coherence, self-event connections, and meaning-making (intraclass correlations >0.75). Statistical analyses tested group differences and relationships between self-concept, narrative identity, symptoms, and functioning. STUDY RESULTS: CHR participants reported more negative self-esteem and self-beliefs, poorer self-concept clarity, and more ruminative self-focus, all of which related to negative symptoms. CHR participants narrated their life stories with themes of negative emotion and passivity (ie, lack of personal agency), which related to positive and negative symptoms. Reflective self-focus and autobiographical reasoning were unaffected and correlated. Autobiographical reasoning was uniquely associated with preserved role functioning. CONCLUSIONS: This group of youth at CHR exhibited some, but not all, changes to self-concept and narrative identity seen in psychotic disorders. A core theme of negativity, uncertainty, and passivity ran through their semantic and narrative self-representations. Preserved self-reflection and autobiographical reasoning suggest sources of resilience and potential footholds for cognitive-behavioral and metacognitive interventions.

Use of Routine Emergency Department Care Practices with Deaf American Sign Language Users.

BACKGROUND: Deaf individuals who communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) seem to experience a range of disparities in health care, but there are few empirical data. OBJECTIVE: To examine the provision of common care practices in the emergency department (ED) to this population. METHODS: ED visits in 2018 at a U.S. academic medical center were assessed retrospectively in Deaf adults who primarily use ASL (n = 257) and hearing individuals who primarily use English, selected at random (n = 429). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for confounders compared the groups on the provision or nonprovision of four routine ED care practices (i.e., laboratories ordered, medications ordered, images ordered, placement of peripheral intravenous line [PIV]) and on ED disposition (admitted to hospital or not admitted). RESULTS: The ED encounters with Deaf ASL users were less likely to include laboratory tests being ordered: adjusted odds ratio 0.68 and 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.97. ED encounters with Deaf individuals were also less likely to include PIV placement, less likely to result in images being ordered in the ED care of ASL users of high acuity compared with English users of high acuity (but not low acuity), and less likely to result in hospital admission. CONCLUSION: Results suggest disparate provision of several types of routine ED care for adult Deaf ASL users. Limitations include the observational study design at a single site and reliance on the medical record, underscoring the need for further research and potential reasons for disparate ED care with Deaf individuals.

Does Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Use at New Foot and Ankle Patient Clinic Visits Improve Patient Activation, Experience, and Satisfaction?

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can help predict clinical outcomes and improve shared clinical decision-making discussions. There remains a paucity of research assessing how the use of PROMs may drive improved patient experience and patient activation. METHODS: New foot and ankle patients completed PROMIS physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and depression assessments. Patients were then randomized to viewing and discussing their PROMIS scores with their surgeon or not. Following the clinic visit, patients completed a series of Clinician & Group Survey-Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG-CAHPS) questions and the Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Responses to the CG-CAHPS questions and PAM were compared between the 2 groups and after clustering on surgeon. Potential interaction effects by social deprivation were also explored. RESULTS: After enrolling patients but removing those lost to follow-up or with missing data, 97 and 116 patients remained in the intervention control cohorts, respectively. No difference was found in CG-CAHPS responses nor PAM scores between the 2 groups (P > .05). All surgeons were highly rated by all patients. When clustered by surgeon, intervention subjects were less likely to indicate "top box" scores for the understanding domain of the CG-CAHPS question (OR 0.51, P < .001) and had decreased odds of high patient activation compared to control subjects (OR 0.67; P = .005). Among the most socially disadvantaged patients, there was no difference in control and intervention subjects in their likelihood of having high patient activation (P = .09). CONCLUSION: Highly rated foot and ankle surgeons who show and discuss PROM results may not improve patient experience or activation and may, in fact, decrease understanding or patient activation in select populations. Future work is needed to determine when PROM discussions are most beneficial and how best to present PROMs data, as we suspect that how the information was presented-and not the use of PROMs-resulted in our findings. Health literacy tools and/or communication training may better engage different patient groups regarding PROMs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Epidemiology and healthcare utilization for rectal foreign bodies in United States adults, 2012-2021.

INTRODUCTION: Presentations to the emergency department for rectal foreign bodies are common, but there is little epidemiologic information on this condition. This limits the ability to provide evidence-based education to trainees regarding the populations affected, the types and frequency of foreign bodies, and factors associated with hospitalization. To address this, we analyzed national estimates of emergency department presentations for rectal foreign bodies from 2012 to 2021 in the US. METHODS: We queried the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for any injury to the 'pubic region' or 'lower trunk' with an accompanying diagnosis of foreign body, puncture, or laceration. Two authors manually reviewed all clinical narratives to identify cases of rectal foreign bodies. National estimates were determined using weighting and strata variables, incidence rates calculated using census data, trends assessed by linear regression, and factors associated with hospitalization identified by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: From 885 cases, there were an estimated 38,948 (95% CI, 32,040-45,856) emergency department visits for rectal foreign bodies among individuals ≥15 years from 2012 to 2021. The average age was 43, 77.8% were male, 55.4% of foreign bodies were sexual devices, and 40.8% required hospitalization. The annual incidence of presentations for rectal foreign bodies increased from 1.2 in 2012 to 1.9 per 100,000 persons in 2021 (R2 = 0.84, p < 0.01). Males have a bimodal age distribution peaking in the fifth decade, while females have a right-skewed age distribution peaking in the second decade. Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2-0.6) and, compared to sexual devices, balls/marbles (OR 0.2; 95% CI, 0.05-0.6) or drugs/paraphernalia (OR 0.1; 95% CI, 0.05-0.4) are associated with a reduced odds of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Presentations to the emergency department for rectal foreign bodies increased for males and females from 2012 to 2021 in the United States. These epidemiologic estimates for a complex form of anorectal trauma provide preclinical information for emergency medicine, surgery, and radiology trainees.

Quantifying Surgeon Intuition Using a Judgment Analysis Model: Surgeon Accuracy of Predicting Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Is Moderate at Best.

Purpose: To quantify surgeon intuition, determine whether a surgeon's prediction of outcomes after hip arthroscopy correlates with actual patient-reported outcomes (PRO), and identify differences in clinical judgment between expert and novice examiners. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal study was conducted at an academic medical center on adults undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. A Surgeon Intuition and Prediction (SIP) score was completed preoperatively by an attending surgeon (expert) and physician assistant (novice). Baseline and postoperative outcome measures included legacy hip scores (e.g., Modified Harris Hip score) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System tools. Mean differences were assessed using t-tests. Generalized estimating equations assessed longitudinal changes. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) evaluated associations between SIP score and PRO scores. Results: Data from 98 patients (mean age 36 years, 67% female) with complete data sets at 12-month follow-up were analyzed. Weak-to-moderate strength correlations were seen between SIP score and PRO scores (r = 0.36 to r = 0.53) for pain, activity and physical function. Significant improvements were seen in all primary outcome measures at 6 and 12 months postoperatively when compared to baseline scores (P < .05), with about 50% to 80% of patients achieving the minimum clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptomatic state thresholds postoperatively. Conclusions: An experienced, high-volume hip arthroscopist had only weak-to-moderate ability to intuitively predict PRO. Surgical intuition and judgment were not superior in an expert examiner compared to a novice. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Multimethod Process Evaluation of a Community Paramedic Delivered Care Transitions Intervention for Older Emergency Department Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed fidelity of delivery and participant engagement in the implementation of a community paramedic coach-led Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) program adapted for use following emergency department (ED) visits. METHODS: The adapted CTI for ED-to-home transitions was implemented at three university-affiliated hospitals in two cities from 2016 to 2019. Participants were aged ≥60 years old and discharged from the ED within 24 hours of arrival. In the current analysis, participants had to have received the CTI. Community paramedic coaches collected data on program delivery and participant characteristics at each transition contact via inventories and assessments. Participants provided commentary on the acceptability of the adapted CTI. Using a multimethod approach, the CTI implementation was assessed quantitatively for site- and coach-level differences. Qualitatively, barriers to implementation and participant satisfaction with the CTI were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 863 patient participants, 726 (84.1%) completed their home visits. Cancellations were usually patient-generated (94.9%). Most planned follow-up visits were successfully completed (94.6%). Content on the planning for red flags and post-discharge goal setting was discussed with high rates of fidelity overall (95% and greater), while content on outpatient follow-up was lower overall (75%). Differences in service delivery between the two sites existed for the in-person visit and the first phone follow-up, but the differences narrowed as the study progressed. Participants showed a 24.6% increase in patient activation (i.e., behavioral adoption) over the 30-day study period (p < 0.001).Overall, participants reported that the program was beneficial for managing their health, the quality of coaching was high, and that the program should continue. Not all participants felt that they needed the program. Community paramedic coaches reported barriers to CTI delivery due to patient medical problems and difficulties with phone visit coordination. Coaches also noted refusal to communicate or engage with the intervention as an implementation barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Community paramedic coaches delivered the adapted CTI with high fidelity across geographically distant sites and successfully facilitated participant engagement, highlighting community paramedics as an effective resource for implementing such patient-centered interventions.

Scalar Assessment of the Family Caregiver Activation in Transitions Tool: An Exploratory Factor Analysis.

The Family Caregiver Activation in Transitions (FCAT) tool in its current, non-scalar form is not pragmatic for clinical use as each item is scored and intended to be interpreted individually. The purpose of the current study was to create a scalar version of the FCAT to facilitate better care communications between hospital staff and family caregivers. We also assessed the scale's validity by comparing the scalar version of the measure against patient health measures. Data were collected from 463 family caregiver-patient dyads from January 2016 to July 2019. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the 10-item FCAT, resulting in a statistically homogeneous six-item scale focused on current caregiving activation factors. The measure was then compared against patient health measures, with no significant biases found. The six-item scalar FCAT can provide hospital staff insight into the level of caregiver activation occurring in the patient's health care and help tailor care transition needs for family caregiver-patient dyads. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(12), 35-42.].

Coaching older adults discharged home from the emergency department: The role of competence and emotion in following up with outpatient clinicians.

OBJECTIVE: Motivating older adults to follow up with an outpatient clinician after discharge from emergency departments (ED) is beneficial yet challenging. We aimed to answer whether psychological needs for motivation and discrete emotions observed by care transition coaches would predict this behavioral outcome. METHODS: Community-dwelling older adults following ED discharge were recruited from three EDs in two U.S. states. We examined home visit notes documented by coaches (N = 725). Retrospective chart reviews of medical records tracked participants' health care utilization for 30 days. RESULTS: Observed knowledge-based competence predicted higher likelihood of outpatient follow-up within 30 days, while observed sadness predicted a lower likelihood of follow-up within seven days following discharge. Moreover, participants who demonstrated happiness were marginally more likely to have an in-person follow-up within seven days, and those who demonstrated knowledge-based competence were more likely to have an electronic follow-up within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge-based competence and emotions, as observed and documented in coach notes, can predict older adults' subsequent outpatient follow-up following their ED-discharge. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Intervention programs might encourage coaches to check knowledge-based competence and to observe emotions in addition to delivering the content. Coaches could also customize strategies for patients with different recommended timeframes of follow-up.

Development and implementation of pharmacy department and pharmacy resident well-being programs.

PURPOSE: Burnout in healthcare can have serious consequences, as it decreases patient care quality. Recent studies have found pharmacy employees have high rates of burnout, but formalized pharmacy well-being programs are not reported in the literature. METHODS: We developed a departmental pharmacy well-being program and focused residency well-being program in October and July 2020, respectively. The program committees sent anonymous surveys to all pharmacy employees to identify opportunities to improve well-being. The feasibility and impact of ideas were assessed by committee members and presented to pharmacy leadership who endorsed and supported all proposed initiatives prior to implementation. Pharmacist distress scores were measured using the Well-Being Index (WBI). RESULTS: The WBI was completed by 49% of invited pharmacists (137 of 278) in November 2020 and 41% (116 of 283) in June 2021. There was a numerical improvement in mean (SD) WBI scores from 2.06 (2.47) in November 2020 to 1.52 (2.49) in June 2021 (P = 0.09). Pharmacy residents had significantly higher distress scores than nonresident pharmacists (P = 0.01). However, pharmacy resident scores improved by almost 50% between the 2 time points, from 4.43 (2.13) to 2.40 (2.42); P = 0.03. CONCLUSION: The development of a system-wide pharmacy well-being program creates a structure to collect ideas from employees, implement well-being initiatives, measure burnout using a validated tool such as the WBI, and continue to build, evaluate, and adapt new interventions. Importantly, the program went beyond addressing individual needs and addressed institutional opportunities that impact well-being. This can serve as a model for other pharmacy departments looking to implement similar programs.

Evaluation of fixed-dose versus variable-dose prothrombin complex concentrate for warfarin reversal.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose was to compare hemostatic efficacy rates for fixed- and variable-dose four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) for warfarin reversal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with non-intracranial major bleeding or undergoing emergent surgery/procedure who received 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal from September 2013 through August 2020. Hemostatic efficacy at 48 h following fixed- or variable-dose 4F-PCC was evaluated using modified International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) criteria for major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of post-4F-PCC INR ≤ 1.5, in-hospital mortality, time to 4F-PCC administration, and 4F-PCC cost. Univariate analyses were completed and logistic regression used to identify patient-specific factors associated with hemostatic efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 265 patients, 90 (34%) fixed- and 175 (66%) variable-dose 4F-PCC, were included. Hemostatic efficacy was achieved in 34 (37.8%) and 38 (21.7%) in fixed- and variable-dose groups, respectively, p = 0.005. Achievement of INR ≤ 1.5 occurred in 55 (62.5%) in the fixed- and 120 (69.4%) in the variable-dose groups, p = 0.26, and there was no in-hospital mortality difference. Time to administration was a mean 20 min faster and cost was reduced by a mean $1881/dose in the fixed-dose group. The unadjusted odds of achieving hemostatic efficacy was 2.27 among those receiving fixed-dose compared to variable-dose 4F-PCC (95% CI 1.30, 3.98); this was not confounded by initial INR or patient weight. CONCLUSION: Fixed-dose 4F-PCC is associated with a higher likelihood of achieving hemostatic efficacy, quicker time to administration, and reduced cost compared to variable-dose 4F-PCC for warfarin reversal.

Effectiveness of a care transitions intervention for older adults discharged home from the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Improving care transitions following emergency department (ED) visits may reduce post-ED adverse events among older adults (e.g., ED revisits, decreased function). The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) improves hospital-to-home transitions; however, its effectiveness at improving post-ED outcomes is unknown. We tested the effectiveness of the CTI with community-dwelling older adult ED patients, hypothesizing that it would reduce revisits and increase performance of self-management behaviors during the 30 days following discharge. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients age ≥ 60 discharged home from one of three EDs in two states. Intervention participants received a minimally modified CTI, with a home visit 24 to 72 h postdischarge and one to three phone calls over 28 days. We collected demographic, health status, and psychosocial data at the initial ED visit. Medication adherence and knowledge of red flag symptoms were assessed via phone survey. Care use and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records. We performed multivariate regressions for intention-to-treat and per-protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS: Participant characteristics (N = 1,756) were similar across groups: mean age 72.4 ± 8.6 years and 53% female. Of those randomized to the intervention, 84% completed the home visit. Overall, 12.4% of participants returned to the ED within 30 days. The CTI did not significantly affect odds of 30-day ED revisits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72 to 1.30) or medication adherence (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.32). Participants receiving the CTI (PP) had increased odds of in-person follow-up with outpatient clinicians during the week following discharge (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.51) and recalling at least one red flag from ED discharge instructions (AOR = 1.34 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.71). CONCLUSIONS: The CTI did not reduce 30-day ED revisits but did significantly increase key care transition behaviors (outpatient follow-up, red flag knowledge). Additional research is needed to explore if patients with different conditions benefit more from the CTI and whether decreasing ED revisits is the most appropriate outcome for all older adults.

Segmental and Circumferential Acetabular Labral Reconstruction Have Comparable Outcomes in the Treatment of Irreparable or Unsalvageable Labral Pathology: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review comparing outcomes of segmental versus circumferential arthroscopic labral reconstruction as a treatment for symptomatic irreparable or unsalvageable acetabular labral pathology. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study groups were divided into segmental and circumferential labral reconstructions. Studies with <2 years follow up, overlapping patient populations, or indications for labral reconstruction other than irreparable or unsalvageable pathology were excluded. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in nine included publications. Five studies presented data on segmental labral reconstruction (166 hips in 164 patients), and seven studies presented data on circumferential labral reconstruction (261 hips in 253 patients). All circumferential reconstruction studies used allograft only, while segmental studies used a combination of autograft and allograft. The range of conversion to total hip arthroplasty was 9.1% to 26.8% in the segmental studies and 3.1% to 9.9% in the circumferential studies. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) was the only patient-reported outcome measure reported in three or more studies in both groups. The mean change from preoperative to postoperative mHHS ranged from 17.8 to 29 in the segmental group and from 20.4 to 31.7 in the circumferential group. Weighted estimates were not calculated due to significant heterogeneity for both the segmental and circumferential groups (I2 = 63.9% and 72.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Segmental and circumferential reconstructions are both reasonable options for arthroscopic treatment of irreparable or unsalvageable labral pathology. Articles in both groups demonstrated improvement in patient-reported outcomes (mHHS). Because of study heterogeneity, low level of evidence, and high risk of bias, the scores were unable to be directly compared. Although there are theoretical biomechanical and technical advantages of one technique over another, this systematic review did not demonstrate clinical superiority of either technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of level III and IV studies.

Machine learning-assisted screening for cognitive impairment in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Despite a high prevalence and association with poor outcomes, screening to identify cognitive impairment (CI) in the emergency department (ED) is uncommon. Identification of high-risk subsets of older adults is a critical challenge to expanding screening programs. We developed and evaluated an automated screening tool to identify a subset of patients at high risk for CI. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of existing data collected for a randomized control trial, we developed machine-learning models to identify patients at higher risk of CI using only variables available in electronic health record (EHR). We used records from 1736 community-dwelling adults age > 59 being discharged from three EDs. Potential CI was determined based on the Blessed Orientation Memory Concentration (BOMC) test, administered in the ED. A nested cross-validation framework was used to evaluate machine-learning algorithms, comparing area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) as the primary metric of performance. RESULTS: Based on BOMC scores, 121 of 1736 (7%) participants screened positive for potential CI at the time of their ED visit. The best performing algorithm, an XGBoost model, predicted BOMC positivity with an AUC of 0.72. With a classification threshold of 0.4, this model had a sensitivity of 0.73, a specificity of 0.64, a negative predictive value of 0.97, and a positive predictive value of 0.13. In a hypothetical ED with 200 older adult visits per week, the use of this model would lead to a decrease in the in-person screening burden from 200 to 77 individuals in order to detect 10 of 14 patients who would fail a BOMC. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that an algorithm based on EHR data can define a subset of patients at higher risk for CI. Incorporating such an algorithm into a screening workflow could allow screening efforts and resources to be focused where they have the most impact.

Track and field injuries resulting in emergency department visits from 2004 to 2015: an analysis of the national electronic injury surveillance system.

OBJECTIVES: Determine national estimates of injuries, mechanisms of injury (MOI), and injury severity among men and women engaging in track and field activities in the United States (U.S.), aged 18 years and older, who present to emergency departments (ED). METHODS: Retrospective analyses of injury narratives were conducted using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), comprising individuals 18 and older presenting to U.S. EDs from 2004 to 2015, with injuries associated with track and field, applying the NEISS product code 5030 and patient narratives. National injury estimates were calculated using sample weights. National injury incidence rates were determined using U.S. census estimate data (denominator), and comparisons of categorical variables by gender were made using a chi-squared test, and associated p-values. RESULTS: Estimated 42,947 ED visits among individuals 18 and older presented for track and field-related injuries in the U.S. from 2004 to 2015, consisting of 23,509 incidents among men, and 19,438 among women. The highest rates of injury occurred in 2010 among men, and 2011 among women, with 3.47, and 2.70 injuries per 100,000 U.S. population, respectively. No statistically significant differences (α = 0.05) were found between genders for injury severity (p = 0.32), injury diagnosis (p = 0.30), and body region (p = 0.13), but there was a significant difference overall between genders for mechanism of injury (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: To develop appropriate injury preventive interventions for track and field athletes, additional studies exploring associations between injury characteristics, namely the mechanisms of injury, and gender, are necessary.

Does Mechanism of Injury Predict Trauma Center Need for Children?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the Mechanism of Injury Criteria of the Field Triage Decision Scheme (FTDS) are accurate for identifying children who need the resources of a trauma center. METHODS: EMS providers transporting any injured child ≤15 years, regardless of severity, to a pediatric trauma center in 3 midsized communities over 3 years were interviewed. Data collected through the interview included EMS observed physiologic condition, suspected anatomic injuries, and mechanism. Patients were then followed to determine if they needed the resources of a trauma center by reviewing their medical record after hospital discharge. Patients were considered to need a trauma center if they received an intervention included in a previously published consensus definition. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics including positive likelihood ratios (+LR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: 9,483 provider interviews were conducted and linked to hospital outcome data. Of those, 230 (2.4%) met the consensus definition for needing a trauma center. 1,572 enrolled patients were excluded from further analysis because they met the Physiologic or Anatomic Criteria of the FTDS. Of the remaining 7,911 cases, 62 met the consensus definition for needing a trauma center (TC). Taken as a whole, the Mechanism of Injury Criteria of the FTDS identified 14 of the remaining 62 children who needed the resources of a trauma center for a 77% under-triage rate. The mechanisms sustained were 36% fall (16 needed TC), 28% motor vehicle crash (MVC) (20 needed TC), 7% struck by a vehicle (10 needed TC), <1% motorcycle crash (none needed TC), and 29% had a mechanism not included in the FTDS (16 needed TC). Of those who sustained a mechanisms not listed in the FTDS, the most common mechanisms were sport related injuries not including falls (24% of 2,283 cases with a mechanism not included) and assault (13%). Among those who fell from a height greater than 10 feet, 4 needed a TC (+LR 5.9; 95%CI 2.8-12.6). Among those in a MVC, 41 were reported to have been ejected and none needed a TC, while 31 had reported meeting the intrusion criteria and 0 needed a TC. There were 32 reported as having a death in the same vehicle, and 2 needed a TC (+LR 7.42; 95%CI: 1.90-29.0). CONCLUSION: Over a quarter of the children who needed the resources of a trauma center were not identified using the Physiologic or Anatomic Criteria of the Field Triage Decision Scheme. The Mechanism of Injury Criteria did not apply to over a quarter of the mechanisms experienced by children transported by EMS for injury. Use of the Mechanism Criteria did not greatly enhance identification of children who need a trauma center. More work is needed to improve the tool used to assist EMS providers in the identification of children who need the resources of a trauma center.

Prehospital time intervals and management of ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: Quantify prehospital time intervals, describe prehospital stroke management, and estimate potential time saved if certain procedures were performed en route to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: Acute ischemic stroke patients who arrived via emergency medical services (EMS) between 2012 and 2016 were identified. We determined the following prehospital time intervals: chute, response, on-scene, transport, and total prehospital times. Proportions of patients receiving the following were determined: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) assessment, prenotification, glucose assessment, vascular access, and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). For glucose assessment, ECG acquisition, and vascular access, the location (on-scene vs. en route) in which they were performed was described. Difference in on-scene times among patients who had these three interventions performed on-scene vs. en route was assessed. RESULTS: Data from 870 patients were analyzed. Median total prehospital time was 39 min and comprised the following: chute time: 1 min; response time: 9 min; on-scene time: 15 min; and transport time: 14 min. CPSS was assessed in 64.7% of patients and prenotification was provided for 52.0% of patients. Glucose assessment, vascular access initiation, and ECG acquisition was performed on 84.1%, 72.6%, and 67.2% of patients, respectively. 59.0% of glucose assessments, 51.2% of vascular access initiations, and 49.8% of ECGs were performed on-scene. On-scene time was 9 min shorter among patients who had glucose assessments, vascular access initiations, and ECG acquisitions all performed en route vs. on-scene. CONCLUSIONS: On-scene time comprised 38.5% of total prehospital time. Limiting on-scene performance of glucose assessments, vascular access initiations, and ECG acquisitions may decrease prehospital time.