Resident physicians using modern practices for excellent documentation and care in heart failure (PUMPED CHF).

The most common indication for readmission among Medicare patients is congestive heart failure (CHF). Prior studies underscore the use of residents to bolster hospital-wide programs and reduce CHF readmissions. The authors assessed the effectiveness of a novel online training program designed to improve resident documentation and knowledge related to CHF. The findings suggest that despite a significant increase in knowledge scores following the online educational course, there was only a slight increase in documentation scores. Additional teaching modalities need to be identified to foster resident education and create sustained behavior change.

A national survey of pediatric dentists on antibiotic use in children.

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to: (1) examine the antibiotic prescribing practices of pediatric dentists and adherence to professional guidelines; and (2) assess their knowledge of and attitudes toward antibiotic resistance. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey regarding antibiotic use, resistance, and knowledge of antibiotic stewardship programs was emailed to 4,636 members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). RESULTS: 987 surveys (21 percent) were completed; 984 were analyzed. Lack of adherence to AAPD antibiotic guidelines was noted. There was a trend toward overuse of antibiotics for the following conditions: irreversible pulpitis with (32 percent) and without vital pulp (42 percent); localized dentoalveolar abscess with (68 percent) and without draining fistula (39 percent); mitral valve relapse with regurgitation (43 percent); intrusion (15 percent); extrusion (13 percent); and rheumatoid arthritis (12 percent). Determinants of antibiotic use were: facial swelling (88 percent); pain relief (15 percent); unavailable appointment for several weeks (six percent); and parental satisfaction (four percent). Although 98 percent of respondents believed that antibiotic resistance is of growing concern, only 15 percent were aware of antibiotic stewardship programs. CONCLUSION: AAPD members overprescribe antibiotics. Educational programs to increase knowledge of antibiotic resistance and stewardship programs should be implemented to increase adherence to professional guidelines.

Exposures to transit and other sources of noise among New York City residents.

To evaluate the contributions of common noise sources to total annual noise exposures among urban residents and workers, we estimated exposures associated with five common sources (use of mass transit, occupational and nonoccupational activities, MP3 player and stereo use, and time at home and doing other miscellaneous activities) among a sample of over 4500 individuals in New York City (NYC). We then evaluated the contributions of each source to total noise exposure and also compared our estimated exposures to the recommended 70 dBA annual exposure limit. We found that one in ten transit users had noise exposures in excess of the recommended exposure limit from their transit use alone. When we estimated total annual exposures, 90% of NYC transit users and 87% of nonusers exceeded the recommended limit. MP3 player and stereo use, which represented a small fraction of the total annual hours for each subject on average, was the primary source of exposure among the majority of urban dwellers we evaluated. Our results suggest that the vast majority of urban mass transit riders may be at risk of permanent, irreversible noise-induced hearing loss and that, for many individuals, this risk is driven primarily by exposures other than occupational noise.

Feasibility of referral of patients with elevated blood pressure from the Emergency Department.

Recent studies suggest that patients' elevated blood pressure (BP) readings in the Emergency Department (ED) may be due to hypertension (HTN) rather than pain and anxiety. Identifying BP patterns suggestive of HTN in the ED presents an opportunity for referral. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the feasibility of referral of ED patients with elevated BP readings suggestive of HTN. Adults with elevated BP suggestive of HTN and no history of HTN were tracked as to referral status using an actively monitored ED referral system. Patients referred to a community clinic network were tracked regarding clinic visits, subsequent BP, and diagnosis of HTN. Of 662 patients with elevated BP in the ED at triage, 197 (29.8%) had a pattern of blood pressure readings that were suggestive of HTN. Of these, 63 (32.0%) were referred to in-network clinics, 5 (2.5%) were referred out of network, and 129 (65.5%) were not referred. Of the 63 referred to network clinics, 17 (27.0%) kept their appointments and of those, 5 (29.4%) were diagnosed with HTN. Elevated BP was not mentioned in any ED physician referral notes as a reason for referral and the number of appointments kept among patients who were referred was low. Referral to outpatient clinics based on BP levels suggestive of HTN may not be feasible despite active referral systems.

Implementation of a heart failure readmission reduction program: a role for medical residents.

BACKGROUND: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the leading causes of hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Due to the substantial costs associated with these readmissions, several interventions to reduce CHF readmissions have been developed and implemented. METHODS: To reduce CHF readmissions at our community teaching hospital, the Smooth Transitions Equal Less Readmission (STELR) program was developed. Utilizing the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle for quality improvement, resident physicians tracked patients enrolled in the STELR program. The resident contribution to the program was substantial in that they were able to quantify the improvement in both physician practices and patient readmissions. This provided insight into program areas requiring further modification, which the hospital would not have obtained without resident participation. RESULTS: The readmission rate for patients diagnosed with heart failure decreased from 32% prior to program implementation, to 24% hospital wide (including patients who were not tracked in the STELR program), and 21% among patients tracked by the residents. CONCLUSION: This effective CHF readmission reduction program requires less financial resources compared to government funded programs. The resident involvement in the STELR program helped to assess and improve the program and also allowed the residents to gain an awareness of the resources available to their patients to facilitate their transition home. The program exposed the residents to systems-based practice, a fundamental element of their residency training and, more generally, community care.

Violence, job satisfaction, and employment intentions among home healthcare registered nurses.

Workplace violence, defined as violent acts directed toward workers, includes physical assault, threat of assault, and verbal abuse and is widely recognized as a threat to workers' health and safety. Healthcare workers, especially nurses, are known to be at high risk. As employees who work alone, have access to drugs, provide care to people in distress, and/or have frequent close contact with clients, they face a greater likelihood of exposure to violence. Nurses' risk has been correlated with degree of patient contact; the odds of physical violence are 7.2 and 9.0 times greater for healthcare workers with moderate and high patient contact, respectively, compared with those with little or no contact.

The prevalence and risk factors for percutaneous injuries in registered nurses in the home health care sector.

BACKGROUND: Patients continue to enter home health care (HHC) "sicker and quicker," often with complex health problems that require extensive intervention. This higher level of acuity may increase the risk of percutaneous injury (PI), yet information on the risk and risk factors for PI and other types of exposures in this setting is exceptionally sparse. To address this gap, a large cross-sectional study of self-reported exposures in HHC registered nurses (RNs) was conducted. METHODS: A convenience sample of HHC RNs (N=738) completed a survey addressing 5 major constructs: (1) worker-centered characteristics, (2) patient-related characteristics, (3) household characteristics, (4) organizational factors, and (5) prevalence of PIs and other blood and body fluid exposures. Analyses were directed at determining significant risk factors for exposure. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of RNs reported one or more PIs in the past 3 years (7.6 per 100 person-years). Nearly half (45.8%) of all PIs were not formally reported. PIs were significantly correlated with a number of factors, including lack of compliance with Standard Precautions (odds ratio [OR], 1.72; P=.019; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-2.71); recapping of needles (OR, 1.78; P=.016; 95% CI: 1.11-2.86); exposure to household stressors (OR, 1.99; P=.005; 95% CI: 1.22-3.25); exposure to violence (OR, 3.47; P=.001; 95% CI: 1.67-7.20); mandatory overtime (OR, 2.44; P=.006; 95% CI: 1.27-4.67); and safety climate (OR, 1.88; P=.004; 95% CI: 1.21-2.91) among others. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PI was substantial. Underreporting rates and risk factors for exposure were similar to those identified in other RN work populations, although factors uniquely associated with home care were also identified. Risk mitigation strategies tailored to home care are needed to reduce risk of exposure in this setting.

Evaluation of a pandemic preparedness training intervention of emergency medical services personnel.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel play an integral role during the national response to a pandemic event. To help ensure their health and safety, especially during the early stages of an outbreak, knowledge and adherence with personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control strategies will be essential. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multi-method, pandemic preparedness training intervention using a pre-/post-test design. METHODS: A convenience sample of 129 EMS personnel participated in a training program on pandemic preparedness. Training consisted of an educational intervention with a focus on the routes of transmission of the influenza virus, proper use of respiratory PPE, agency policies regarding infection control practices, and seasonal influenza vaccination. This was followed by a skill-based drill on respirator fit-checking and proper respirator donning and doffing procedures. RESULTS: Pre-/post-test results indicate a significant increase in knowledge and behavioral intentions with respect to respirator use, vaccination with seasonal influenza vaccine, and willingness to report to duty during a pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: This method was effective in increasing knowledge and compliance intentions in EMS healthcare personnel. Further research should focus on whether training results in behavior modification.

Safety factors predictive of job satisfaction and job retention among home healthcare aides.

OBJECTIVES: Although many of the well known work characteristics associated with job satisfaction in home health care have been documented, a unique aspect of the home health care aides' (HHA) work environment that might also affect job satisfaction is the fact that their workplace is a household. To obtain a better understanding of the potential impact of the risks/exposures/hazards within the household environment on job satisfaction and job retention in home care, we recently conducted a risk assessment study. METHODS: Survey data from a convenience sample of 823 New York City HHAs were obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Household/job-related risks, environmental exposures, transportation issues, threats/verbal and physical abuse, and potential for violence were significantly correlated with HHA job satisfaction and job retention. CONCLUSIONS: Addressing the modifiable risk factors in the home health care household may improve job satisfaction and reduce job turnover in this work population.

Epidemiology of subway-related fatalities in New York City, 1990-2003.

PROBLEM: Subway transit is a relatively safe mode of transportation, yet compared to all other forms of mass transit in the United States (U.S.), subways have the highest fatality rate. The aim of this paper is to characterize subway-related fatalities in order to identify opportunities for risk reduction. METHOD: Medical examiner records for all New York City (NYC) subway-related deaths (1990-2003) were reviewed. Data were abstracted on decedents' demographics and autopsy findings, including laboratory findings. RESULTS: There were 668 subway-related fatalities, of these, 10 (1.5%) were homicides, 343 (51.3%) were determined to be suicides, and 315 (47.2%) were accidental. Although decedent characteristics varied between fatality categories, they were not particularly informative with regard to prevention. CONCLUSION: Prevention strategies that focus on structural controls are likely to be most efficacious in improving the overall safety of the NYC subway systems. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY: These findings suggest that structural rather than individual-level interventions would be most successful in preventing subway fatalities.