The Prevalence and Emergency Department Utilization of Patients Who Underwent Single and Double Inter-hospital Transfers in the Emergency Department: a Nationwide Population-based Study in Korea, 2016–2018

BackgroundInter-hospital transfer (IHT) for emergency department (ED) admission is a burden to high-level EDs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and ED utilization patterns of patients who underwent single and double IHTs at high-level EDs in South Korea.MethodsThis nationwide cross-sectional study analyzed data from the National Emergency Department Information System for the period of 2016–2018. All the patients who underwent IHT at Level I and II emergency centers during this time period were included. The patients were categorized into the single-transfer and double-transfer groups. The clinical characteristics and ED utilization patterns were compared between the two groups.ResultsWe found that 2.1% of the patients in the ED (n = 265,046) underwent IHTs; 18.1% of the pediatric patients (n = 3,556), and 24.2% of the adult patients (n = 59,498) underwent double transfers. Both pediatric (median, 141.0 vs. 208.0 minutes, P < 0.001) and adult (median, 189.0 vs. 308.0 minutes, P < 0.001) patients in the double-transfer group had longer duration of stay in the EDs. Patient''s request was the reason for transfer in 41.9% of all IHTs (111,076 of 265,046). Unavailability of medical resources was the reason for transfer in 30.0% of the double transfers (18,920 of 64,054).ConclusionThe incidence of double-transfer of patients is increasing. The main reasons for double transfers were patient''s request and unavailability of medical resources at the first-transfer hospitals. Emergency physicians and policymakers should focus on lowering the number of preventable double transfers.     

Early CPAP protocol in preterm infants with gestational age between 28 and 32 weeks: experience of a public hospital

BackgroundThe use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied early after birth improves several outcomes when compared with intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. “Early CPAP” protocols vary in relation to the pressure level, type of interface used, and studied sample.ObjectiveThis study compared intubation rate, exogenous surfactant use, and hospitalization length (among other variables) prior to and after adopting an “early CPAP” protocol in preterm infants with gestational age between 28 and 32 weeks, using intermediate pressures and short binasal prongs.MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted in a public university hospital in Brazil. All preterm infants with gestational age between 28 and 32 weeks were included in the study. The newborns born between January 2011 and December 2012, prior to the protocol being implemented, were considered the historical control group, and those born after implementation, between February 2013 and August 2014 were considered the intervention group.ResultsThe participants in both groups had similar baseline characteristics (p > 0.05). There were significant reductions in intubation rate (89% versus 73%, p = 0.02), exogenous surfactant use (86% versus 67%, p = 0.02), and median (Q1 - Q3) days of invasive mechanical ventilation [4 (2 - 14) versus 1 (0.15–9), p = 0.01] and length of hospital stay in days [56 (42–77) versus 42 (35–71), p = 0.02].ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate positive outcomes of the early CPAP protocol. This protocol used simple and affordable equipment available in the hospital which could easily be reproduced in other centers, generating better outcomes for preterm infants and reducing hospital expenses.     

Mechanical ventilation in critically-ill pregnant women: a case series

BackgroundApproximately 0.1–0.2% of pregnancies are complicated by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilatory support, but few data exist to inform clinical management. This study aimed to characterize current practice and the effect of delivery on respiratory function.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of pregnant women who received mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h, from four intensive care units in institutions with large-volume obstetric units.ResultsData were collected from 29 patients with a mean gestation at intensive care unit admission of 25.3 ± 6 weeks. Tidal volumes were 7.7 ± 1.7 mL/kg predicted body weight. Estimated respiratory system compliance was reduced, but was higher in four patients ventilated for neurological conditions without lung disease. Three maternal and three neonatal deaths occurred. Ten patients delivered while on ventilatory support: one spontaneous delivery, four for obstetric indications and five for worsening maternal condition. Following delivery of these 10 patients, three demonstrated a greater than 50% decrease in oxygenation index and five a greater than 50% increase in compliance. No characteristics identified which patients may benefit from delivery.ConclusionsReview of current practice in four centers suggests that mechanical ventilation in pregnant patients follows usual guidelines applicable to non-pregnant patients. Delivery was associated with modest improvement in maternal respiratory function in some patients. Any potential benefit of delivery in improving maternal physiology must be weighed against the stress of delivery. The risks of premature birth for the fetus must be weighed against continued exposure to maternal hypoxemia and hypotension.     

Experience of targeting subsidies on insecticide-treated nets: what do we know and what are the knowledge gaps?

Widespread coverage of vulnerable populations with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) constitutes an important component of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) strategy to control malaria. The Abuja Targets call for 60% coverage of children under 5 years of age and pregnant women by 2005; but current coverage in Africa is unacceptably low. The RBM 'Strategic Framework for Coordinated National Action in Scaling-up Insecticide-Treated Netting Programmes in Africa' promotes coordinated national action and advocates sustained public provision of targeted subsidies to maximise public health benefits, alongside support and stimulation of the private sector. Several countries have already planned or initiated targeted subsidy schemes either on a pilot scale or on a national scale, and have valuable experience which can inform future interventions. The WHO RBM 'Workshop on mapping models for delivering ITNs through targeted subsidies' held in Zambia in 2003 provided an opportunity to share and document these country experiences. This paper brings together experiences presented at the workshop with other information on experiences of targeting subsidies on ITNs, net treatment kits and retreatment services (ITN products) in order to describe alternative approaches, highlight their similarities and differences, outline lessons learnt, and identify gaps in knowledge. We find that while there is a growing body of knowledge on different approaches to targeting ITN subsidies, there are significant gaps in knowledge in crucial areas. Key questions regarding how best to target, how much it will cost and what outcomes (levels of coverage) to expect remain unanswered. High quality, well-funded monitoring and evaluation of alternative approaches to targeting ITN subsidies is vital to develop a knowledge base so that countries can design and implement effective strategies to target ITN subsidies.     

互动式孕晚期护理干预对产妇产时认知能力及分娩结局的影响

目的:探讨互动式孕晚期护理干预对产妇产时认知能力及分娩结局的影响。方法:将126例于我院建卡并定期产检的单胎头位初产妇随机分为研究组和对照组各63例。两组产妇均行常规定期产检,孕晚期体检均予孕前指导,对照组产妇行常规孕晚期护理干预,研究组产妇行互动式护理干预。比较两组产妇分娩认知、围产期指标与分娩结局。结果:研究组产妇干预后分娩知识、分娩态度、产时应对行为评分分别为(18.29±2.15)分、(45.31±2.75)分、(31.05±3.12)分,明显高于对照组(12.31±6.24)分、(30.48±5.32)分、(21.58±2.98)分,差异有统计学意义(P0.01);研究组产妇干预后汉密顿焦虑、抑郁量表(HAMA、HAMD)评分、剖宫产率均明显低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.01);研究组总产程时间、产后出血量明显少于对照组(P0.05)。结论:互动式孕晚期护理干预可改善产妇产时认知能力,并对分娩结局产生积极影响。     

An Early Stage Evaluation of the Supporting Program for Obstetric Care Underserved Areas in Korea

"The Supporting Program for Obstetric Care Underserved Areas (SPOU)" provides financial aids to rural community (or district) hospitals to reopen prenatal care and delivery services for regions without obstetrics and gynecology clinics or hospitals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the early stage effect of the SPOU program. The proportion of the number of birth through SPOU was calculated by each region. Also survey was conducted to investigate the extent of overall satisfaction, elements of dissatisfaction, and suggestions for improvement of the program; 209 subjects participated from 7 to 12 December, 2012. Overall, 20% of pregnant women in Youngdong (71 cases) and Gangjin (106 cases) used their community (or district) hospitals through the SPOU whereas Yecheon (23 cases) was 8%; their satisfaction rates were high. Short distance and easy accessibility was the main reason among women choosing community (or district) hospital whereas the reasons of not selecting the community (or district) hospital were favor of the outside hospital''s facility, system, and trust in the medical staffs. The SPOU seems to be currently effective at an early stage. However, to successfully implement this program, the government should make continuous efforts to recruit highly qualified medical staffs and improve medical facility and equipment.

Graphical Abstract

相似文献   

婴幼儿室间隔缺损合并重度肺动脉高压术后心排量与氧代谢的变化规律

目的:总结分析婴幼儿期室间隔缺损合并重度肺动脉高压心脏直视术后心排量与氧供、氧耗的变化规律及临床意义。方法:室间隔缺损合并重度肺动脉高压患儿25例,男性15例,女性10例。年龄0.5～2.75(1.25±0.68)岁,体质量5～13.7(8.68±2.49)kg,术前经皮血氧饱和度(SPO2)0.95～0.99(0.97±0.70),超声心动图检查平均肺动脉压力65～82(67.86±21.35)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)。合并心脏畸形包括:房间隔缺损9例,动脉导管未闭5例,主动脉弓缩窄3例。麻醉时经颈内静脉置入4F Swan-Ganz漂浮导管,经桡动脉置入动脉测压管。分别于手术结束即刻、术后4 h、8 h、12h、24 h、48 h及72 h,由桡动脉及漂浮导管抽取动脉和混合静脉血标本行血气分析。热稀释法测定心排量(CO),PHLIPS M:8007 A计算心排指数(CL)、氧供指数(DO2I)、氧耗指数(VO2I)、氧摄取率(O2ER)。结果:①术后DO2I与VO2I显著相关,术后即刻呈线性依赖;②术后8 h CI、DO2I、VO2I最低;O2ER最高。结论:婴幼儿期室间隔缺损合并重度肺动脉高压,术后即刻存在着病理性氧供依赖,术后8 h既存在氧供不足又有氧耗下降,应积极提高心排量改善组织氧分。