bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P094: Evaluation of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) to guide the orientation of patients with sepsis in the emergency department
Authors: Negreanu D. , Hegg S. , Malo C. , Yaccarini O. , Émond M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) identifies the level of urgency when patients arrive to the Emergency department (ED). Sepsis is challenging to recognize and is associated with significant mortality (30 to 50%). The integration of the COP criteria allows for earlier detection and management of sepsis.The CTAS's validity and reliability are debated. The NEWS score has been suggested to allow a timely recognition of sepsis.Objectives:To describe patient orientation at ED triage with the NEWS vs. the CTAS and COP criteria and to identify the NEWS's ability to detect patients who will require admission to critical care. Methods: Design: A retrospective cohort study of ED 225 patients (January-November 2018) is was constituted. Participants: Patients were included if they were aged ≥18, consulting to the ED, presented one of the 32 diagnoses included in the CMI-10. Measurements: Retained variables are sex, age, CTAS score and level of care. The NEWS score was calculated from triage vital signs. Main outcome was Patient orientation after ED triage using CTAS vs the NEWS score. Descriptive statistics to determine patient orientation based on the NEWS and CTAS were performed. Fisher tests (α = 0.05) were used to assess a possible association between both triage scales and identify the NEWS's ability to detect patients who will require admission to critical care during. Sample size was calculated in order to detect a 15% difference between actual orientation and theoretical orientation based on the NEWS. Results: The retained cohort (45% men) were aged 66 ± 21 years. 67% were admitted, 14% of which to a critical care unit. Average length of hospital stay was 6.3 ± 7.8 days. Primary objective: patient orientation after triage using CTAS vs the NEWS was: 29% vs. 18% for high risk patients; 2% vs. 67% for low risk patients (p < 0.0001), respectively. Secondary objective: Among patients with stable NEWS score, 53% were admitted to hospital among patients with medium NEWS score, 9% of patients were admitted to the critical care (p = 0.0003) Conclusion: Patient orientation after ED triage using CTAS vs the NEWS is significantly different. The NEWS alone does not seem to be able to detect patients who will require admission to critical care. Future studies exploring an aggregate scoring system combining the NEWS and CTAS could be performed to determine if sepsis recognition and patient orientation can be improved
P096: Prospective pilot implementation of a clinical decision aid for acute aortic syndrome
Authors: Ohle R. , Fortino N. , Montpellier O. , Ludgate M. , McIsaac S. , Bota G.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The RAPID RIP clinical decision aid was developed to identify patients at high-risk for acute aortic syndrome (AAS) who require investigations. It stratifies patients into low (no further testing) intermediate (D-dimer if no alternative diagnosis) and High risk (Computed tomography (CT) aorta). Our objectives were to assess its impact on: a) Documentation of high risk features/pre test probability for AAS b) D-dimers ordered c) CT ordered and d) Emergency department length of stay. Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot before/after study at a single tertiary-care emergency department between August and September 2018. Consecutive alert adults with chest, abdominal, flank, back pain or stroke like symptoms were included. Patients with pain >14 days or secondary to trauma were excluded. Results: We enrolled 1,340 patients, 656 before and 684 after implementation, including 0 AAS. Documentation of pre test probability assessment increased (0% to 3%, p < 0.009) after implementation. The proportion who had D-dimer performed increased (5.8% to 9.2% (p < 0.2), while the number of CT to rule out AAS remained stable (0.59% versus 0.58%; p = 0.60). The mean length of ED stay was stable (2.31+/−2.0 to 2.28+/−1.5 hours; p = 0.45) and slightly decreased in those with pre test probability documented (2.1+/−1.4 p < 0.09). The specificity of the decision aid for CT was 100%( 95%CI 71.5- 100%). If it were applied to all patients with high-risk clinical features of AAS the specificity would be 92.6% (95%CI 90.1-94.6%). Conclusion: Implementation of the RAPID RIP increased documentation of important high-risk features for AAS. The RAPID RIP strategy increased use of D-dimer without increasing the number of CT and had a trend towards decreased length of stay.
P097: The characteristics and effectiveness of interventions targeting chronic pain patients in the emergency department: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: O'Rielly C. , Sutherland L. , Wong C.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) and opioid-use disorders make up a category of patients who present a challenge to emergency department (ED) providers and healthcare administrators. Their conditions predispose them to frequent ED utilization. This problem has been compounded by a worsening opioid epidemic that has rendered clinicians apprehensive about how they approach pain care. A systematic review has not yet been performed to inform the management of CNCP patients in the ED. As such, the purpose of this project was to identify and describe the effectiveness of interventions to reduce ED visits for high-utilizers with CNCP. Methods: Included participants were high-utilizers presenting with CNCP. All study designs were eligible for inclusion if they examined an intervention aimed at reducing ED utilization. The outcomes of interest were the number of ED visits as well as the amount and type of opioids prescribed in the ED and after discharge. We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and the grey literature from inception to June 16, 2018. Two independent investigators assessed articles for inclusion following PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane ROBINS-I and RoB 2 tools for non-randomized and randomized trials, respectively. Results: Following review, 14 of the 5,018 identified articles were included for analysis. These articles assessed a total of 1,670 patients from both urban and rural settings. Interventions included pain protocols or policies (n = 5), individualized care plans (n = 5), ED care coordination (n = 2), a chronic pain management pathway (n = 1), and a behavioural health intervention (n = 1). Intervention effects trended towards the reduction of both ED visits and opioid prescriptions. The meta-analysis is in progress. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that interventions aimed at high-utilizers with CNCP can reduce ED visits and ED opioid prescription. ED opioid-restriction policies that sought to disincentivize drug-related ED visits were most successful, especially when accompanied by an electronic medical record (EMR) alert to ensure consistent application of the policy by all clinicians and administrators involved in the care of these patients. This review was limited by inconsistencies in the definition of ‘high-utilizer’ and by the lack of high-powered randomized studies.
P099: Perceptions of assessment and feedback: hawks, doves and impact on learning
Authors: Pardhan K. , Jones L.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Residency training takes place in a work-place learning environment. Residents may work with several supervisors over the course of their training and each will provide feedback and assessments to them. Each supervisor may have a different approach to the delivery of their feedback and may deliver different assessments for the same quality of performance. Research question: among residents who receive regular feedback how do different styles of feedback by supervisors impact the residents’ learning? Methods: A qualitative methodology was used. Participants were residents from residency programs that have routine one-on-one feedback and assessment. In depth, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted by the primary investigator (PI). These were then transcribed, reviewed and coded. The participants were University of Toronto and McMaster University residents. Sample size will be determined by thematic saturation and data collection is ongoing. The interview guide was updated in an iterative fashion to further explore themes generated in the initial interviews. Interview transcripts will be reviewed and coded by the PI with assistance from collaborators with qualitative methodological expertise. Results: Analysis of the first six participants revealed five themes. Residents described remembering feedback that generated a strong emotional response, both positive and negative; reflection on feedback as a component of using it for learning was consistent; issues with reconciling feedback received that was in conflict with previously feedback; relationship with the individual providing the feedback impacted feedback interpretation; feedback was parsed by residents to determine the rationale of the assessor and whether to incorporate feedback into learning process. Conclusion: How residents use feedback to further their learning is variable. This study identifies that styles of feedback, emotional response and relationship with the provider are all contributors to the learning that occurs after a feedback encounter. It also identifies that residents reflect on feedback differently and make decisions about how to incorporate feedback into their learning and practice. The individuality of these responses to feedback are important for trainee self-reflection in furthering their learning as well as important in faculty development as they develop skills in assessment and feedback. It is also important for training programs that facilitate the trainee supervisor interactions.
P103: Factors associated with non-optimal resource utilization of air ambulance for interfacility transfer of injured patients
Authors: Quirion A. , Nolan B.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Timely access to definitive care has been associated with improved outcomes for injured patients. Air ambulance services have become an integral part of Canadian trauma systems to help provide earlier access to a lead trauma centre (LTC). Multiple factors can lead to non-optimal resource utilization resulting in potential transport delays. The goal of this study is to identify patient, institutional and paramedic risk factors for non-optimal resource utilization for interfacility transfers of injured adult patients transported by air ambulance to a LTC. Methods: Ornge is a paramedic-staffed organization that is the sole provider of air ambulance services from a non-trauma centre to a LTC for the province of Ontario, Canada. This is a retrospective cohort study of all Ornge adult emergent interfacility transports over a 5-year period. Data was collected on patient demographics and clinical status, sending facilities, transport details and paramedic qualifications. Optimal resource utilization was determined based on distance and historical times. A logistic regression model was used to explore patient, provider and institutional risk factors for non-optimal resource use. Results: Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017 a total of 1777 injured patients underwent interfacility transport with Ornge. Of these 805 were identified as having non-optimal resource utilization. Patients who had an optimal resource use were found to be older and mechanically ventilated. Risk factors increasing odds of non-optimal transport included patients transported from a nursing station (OR 1.94), transport with primary or advanced care paramedics (OR 6.57 and 1.44, respectively) and transport between both 0800-1700 and 1700-0000 (OR 1.40 and 1.54, respectively). The median delay to arrival to receiving facility if a patient had a non-optimal resource use was 40 minutes Conclusion: We were able to identify several factors resulting in non-optimal resource utilization. We believe that nursing stations as a sending facility and type of paramedics crew transporting patients resulted in non-optimal resource utilization mainly due to these patients being of lower acuity and this affecting their triage. However the timing of day is more likely to be a resource availability issue and something that can be further studied and potentially improved.
P108: Characterizing use of next-day ultrasound from the emergency department
Authors: Roberts C. , Oyedokun T. , Cload B. , Witt L.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Formal ultrasound imaging, with use of ultrasound technicians and radiologists, provides a valuable diagnostic component to patient care in the Emergency Department (ED). Outside of regular weekday hours, ordering formal ultrasounds can produce logistical difficulties. EDs have developed protocols for next-day ultrasounds, where the patient returns the following day for imaging and reassessment by an ED physician. This creates additional stress on ED resources – personnel, bed space, finances – that are already strained. There is a dearth of literature regarding the use of next-day ultrasounds or guidelines to direct efficient use. This study sought to accumulate data on the use of ED next-day ultrasounds and patient oriented clinical outcomes. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 150 patients, 75 from each of two different tertiary care hospitals in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. After a predetermined start date, convenience samples were collected of all patients who had undergone a next-day ultrasound ordered from the ED until the quota was satisfied. Patients were identified by an electronic medical record search for specific triage note phrases indicating use of next-day ultrasounds. Different demographic, clinical, and administrative parameters were collected and analyzed. Results: Of the 150 patients, the mean age was 35.9 years and 75.3% were female. Median length of stay for the first visit was 4.1 hours, and 2.2 hours for the return visit. Most common ultrasound scans performed were abdomen and pelvis/gyne (34.7%), complete abdomen (30.0%), duplex extremity venous (10.0%). Most common indications on the ultrasound requisition were nonspecific abdominal pain (18.7%), vaginal bleeding with or without pregnancy (17.3%), and hepatobiliary pathology (15.3%). Ultrasounds results reported a relevant finding 56% of the time, and 34% were completely normal. After the next-day ultrasound 5.3% of patients had a CT scan, 10.7% had specialist consultation, 8.2% were admitted, and 7.3% underwent surgery. Conclusion: Information was gathered to close gaps in knowledge about the use of next-day ultrasounds from the ED. A large proportion of patients are discharged home without further interventions. Additional research and the development of next-day ultrasound guidelines or outpatient pathways may improve patient care and ED resource utilization.
P109: A retrospective cohort comparing symptom management of breathlessness and pain in cancer versus non-cancer conditions
Authors: Robinson B. , Carter A. , Goldstein J. , Harrison M. , Arab M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: In Nova Scotia, under the Paramedics Providing Palliative Care program, paramedics can now manage symptom crises in patients with palliative care goals and often at home without the need to transport to hospital. Growing recognition that non-cancer conditions benefit from a palliative approach is expanding the program. Our team previously found treatment of pain and breathlessness is not optimized, pain scores are underutilized, and paramedics were more comfortable (pre-launch) with a palliative approach in cancer versus non-cancer conditions. Our objective was to compare symptom management in cancer versus non-cancer subgroup. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study. The Electronic Patient Care Record and Special Patient Program were queried for patients with palliative goals from July 1, 2015 to July 1, 2016. Descriptive analysis was conducted and results were compared with a t-test and Bonferroni correction (alpha = p < 0.007). Results: 1909 unique patients; 765/1909 (40.1%) cancer and 1144/1909 (59.9%) non-cancer. Female sex: cancer 357/765 (46.7%), non-cancer 538/1144 (47.0%). Mean age cancer: 73.3 (11.65), non-cancer 77.7 (12.80). Top non-cancer conditions: COPD (495/1144, 43.3%), CHF (322/1144, 28.1%), stroke (172/1144, 15.0%) and dementia (149/1144, 13.0%). Comorbidities for cancer patients (range): 0 to 3; non-cancer 0 to 5. Most common chief complaint (CC) for cancer and non-cancer: respiratory distress, 10.8% vs 21.5%. Overall, no difference in proportion treated cancer vs non-cancer, 11.5% vs 10.1%, p = 0.35. Some difference in individual therapies: morphine 83/765 (10.8%) vs 55/1144 (4.8%), p < 0.001, hydromorphone 9/765 (1.2%) vs 2/1144 (0.2%), p = 0.014, salbutamol 38/765 (5.0%) vs 5/1144 (0.4%), p < 0.001 and ipratropium 27/765 (3.5%) vs 134/1144 (11.7%), p < 0.001, in addition to any support with home medication which is not queriable. Pre-treatment pain scores were documented more often than post-treatment in both groups (58.7% vs 25.6% (p < 0.001), 57.4% vs 26.9% (p < 0.001)). Conclusion: Non-cancer patients represent an important proportion of palliative care calls for paramedics. Cancer and non-cancer patients had very similar CC and received similar treatment, although low proportions, despite pre-launch findings that non-cancer conditions were likely to be undertreated. Pain scores remain underutilized. Further research into the underlying reason(s) is required to improve the support of non-cancer patients by paramedics.
P113: Variability in utilization and diagnostic yield of computed tomography (CT) scans for pulmonary embolism among emergency physicians
Authors: Salehi L. , Phalpher P. , Levay D. , Meaney C. , Ossip M. , Valani R. , Mercuri M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Current data on utilization of CT imaging point to a trend of increasing overutilization of CT Angiography for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (CTPA) over time. Multiple educational and institution-wide interventions addressing this overutilization have been proposed, implemented and evaluated, with mixed results in terms of long-term impact on physician ordering behaviour. The objective of this study is to examine the inter-physician variability in ordering rates and diagnostic yield of CTPA, under a working hypothesis that a small number of physicians are responsible for a disproportionately high number of CTPA ordered in the ED. Methods: Data was collected on all CTPA studies ordered by ED physicians at two very high volume community hospitals and an affiliated urgent care centre during the 2-year period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. Analysis was limited to those ED physicians who had a total of greater than 500 ED visits over the course of the 2-year period. For each physician, two calculations were made: 1) CT PE ordering rate (total number of CTPA ordered divided by the total number of ED visits), and 2) CTPA diagnostic yield (total number of CTPA positive for PE divided by the total number CTPA ordered). Additional analysis was carried out in order to identify the highest orderers of CTPA and their diagnostic yield. Results: A total of 2,789 CTPA were ordered by 84 physicians for 461,045 total ED visits. Preliminary results show a great deal of variation in ordering rates, ranging from 0.9 to 22.2 CTPA per 1000 ED visit (median = 4.8, IQR = 4.5). Similarly, there was high variation in CT PE yield, ranging from 0% to 50% (median = 9.6%, IQR = 13.1%). Those physicians in the top quartile for ordering rate had a lower mean diagnostic yield, when compared to the lower quartiles (8.9% when compared to 11.5%, 11.9% and 18.2% for the physicians in the third, second, and first quartile respectively). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a wide degree of variability in CTPA ordering patterns and diagnostic yield among physicians working within the same clinical environment. There is some suggestion that those physicians who order disproportionately higher numbers of CTPAs have lower diagnostic yields. However, the more interesting lessons from this initial study center on the challenges in creating an audit-and-feedback program targeting CTPA ‘overutilizers’.
P114: Geographies of sexual assault: using geographic information system analysis to identify neighbourhoods affected by violence
Authors: Muldoon K. , Galway L. , Drumm A. , Leach T. , Heimerl M. , Sampsel K.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Emergency Departments are a common point of access for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), but very little is known about where survivors live and the characteristics of the neighbourhoods. The objective of this study was to use hospital-based data to characterize sexual and domestic assault cases and identify geographic distribution across the Ottawa-Gatineau area. Methods: Data for this study were extracted from the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP) case registry (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2015) at The Ottawa Hospital. Spatial analyses were conducted using 6-digit postal codes converted to Canadian Census Tracts to identify potential geographic areas where SGBV cases are clustered. Hot-spots were defined as Census Tracts with seven or more assaults within a single calendar year.Data for this study were extracted from the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (SAPACP) case registry (Jan 1-Dec 31, 2015) at The Ottawa Hospital. Spatial analyses were conducted using 6-digit postal codes converted to Canadian Census Tracts to identify potential geographic areas where SGBV cases are clustered. Hot-spots were defined as Census Tracts with seven or more assaults within a single calendar year. Results: In 2015, there were 406 patients seen at the SAPACP, 348 had valid postal codes from Ottawa-Gatineau and were included in the analyses. Over 90% of patients were female and 152 (43.68%) were below 24 years of age. Eight hot-spots were identified including 3 in the downtown entertainment district, 3 lower income areas, 1 high income neighbourhood, and 1 suburb more than 20km from downtown. Conclusion: This study is of the first to use hospital-based data to examine the geographic distribution of SGBV cases, with key findings including the identification of high-income neighbourhoods and suburbs as SGBV hot-spots. Alongside efforts like the #MeToo movement, this evidence challenges stereotypes of assault survivors and highlights the breadth and widespread nature of SGBV.
P115: Outcomes of out of hospital cardiac arrest in First Nations vs. non-First Nations patients in Saskatoon
Authors: Scheirer O. , Leach A. , Netherton S. , Mondal P. , Hillier T. , Davis P.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: One in nine (11.7%) people in Saskatchewan identifies as First Nations. In Canada, First Nations people experience a higher burden of cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population, but it is unknown whether they have different outcomes in out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods: We reviewed pre-hospital and inpatient records of patients sustaining an OHCA between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2017. The population consisted of patients aged 18 years or older with OHCA of presumed cardiac origin occurring in the catchment area of Saskatoon's EMS service. Variables of interest included, age, gender, First Nations status (as identified by treaty number), EMS response times, bystander CPR, and shockable rhythm. Outcomes of interest included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission, and survival to hospital discharge. Results: In all, 372 patients sustained OHCA, of which 27 were identified as First Nations. First Nations patients with OHCA tended to be significantly younger (mean age 46 years vs. 65 years, p < 0.0001) and had shorter EMS response times (median times 5.3 minutes vs. 6.2 minutes, p = 0.01). There were no differences between First Nations and non-First Nations patients in terms of incidence of shockable rhythms (24% vs. 26%, p = 0.80), ROSC (42% vs. 41%, p = 0.87), survival to admission (27% vs 33%, p = 0.53), and survival to hospital discharge (15% vs. 12%, p = 0.54). Conclusion: In Saskatoon, First Nations patients sustaining OHCA appear to have similar survival rates when compared with non-First Nations patients, suggesting similar baseline care. Interestingly, First Nations patients sustaining OHCA were significantly younger than their non-First Nations counterparts. This may reflect a higher burden of cardiovascular disease, suggesting a need improved prevention strategies.
P118: Older adults in the emergency department: a retrospective cross-sectional study of the geriatric population in Edmonton emergency departments
Authors: Morch K. , Schonnop R. , Gauri A. , Ha D.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The geriatric patient population accounts for an ever increasing proportion of emergency department (ED) visits. Geriatric centered EDs are an emerging area of interest and research. Though there have been past studies looking at older patient presentations at individual hospitals, there is limited data describing geriatric presentations within an entire Canadian geographic health region. This study characterizes the population of older adults utilizing the EDs in the Edmonton Zone, a health region that comprises a total of eleven tertiary (T), urban community (UC) and rural community (RC) hospitals. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study targeted all patients ≥65 years presenting to the Edmonton Zone EDs between April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018. Data was extracted from the Emergency Department Information System (EDIS) database for ten EDs in the health region. Clinical and administrative data points were extracted and examined for each site. Results: We analyzed 100,813 ED geriatric patient visits during our study period, accounting for 18.7% of total ED visits to the Edmonton Zone. The five most common triage complaints at ED presentation were shortness of breath, abdominal pain, chest pain with cardiac features, general weakness, and back pain. CTAS scores 1-3 were assigned to 77.8% of geriatric presentations (T: 86.3%, UC: 77.4%, RC: 60.9%). 27.3% of geriatric patients had presented to an ED within the past 30 days (T: 30.0%, UC: 25.4%, RC: 27.7%). On average, 35.3% of older adult ED visits involved a consultation (T: 51.7%, UC 30.8%, RC 14.6%) and approximately 25% of geriatric patients were admitted to hospital during their ED visit (T: 42.8%, UC: 19.4%, RC: 7.1%). The average length of stay (LOS) in the ED (hh:mm) was 10:19 (T: 10:24, UC: 11:38, RC: 5:43). Overall, 2.4% of all geriatric patients left an ED without being seen after initial registration (T: 2.7%, UC: 2.2%, RC: 2.1%). Conclusion: Older adults represent a significant proportion of the ED visits in the Edmonton Zone. The triage acuity, LOS, re-presentation, consultation and admission rates varied based on the type of ED, which has implications for resource allocation within the health region. Our results can also direct future targeted initiatives and quality improvement projects to the various types of EDs in the Edmonton Zone, and facilitate planning of ED services for older adults in other health regions who have a similar geographic distribution of care sites.
P123: Retrospective review of transfusions for anemia ordered in the emergency department and concordance with guidelines
Authors: Siddiqi Z. , Lang E. , Grigat D. , Vatanpour S.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a common presentation to the emergency department (ED) and is often treated with red blood cell transfusions. Choosing Wisely and the American Association of Blood Banks released guidelines in 2016 outlining under what circumstances transfusions should be given for patients with IDA. Few well-powered studies have looked at the impact of these guidelines on transfusions in EDs. The goal of this study was to examine the number of RBC transfusions that were given in EDs in Calgary, Alberta from 2014-2018 and what proportion of these were potentially avoidable (PA). Methods: We analyzed 8651 IDA patient encounters from 2014–2018 at four centers in the Calgary Zone. A transfusion was considered PA if the patient's hemoglobin (hgb) was ≥70 g/L AND if the patient was hemodynamically stable. We performed descriptive statistics to assess the number of transfusions and the number of avoidable transfusions. We used chi-squared tests to determine if there were significant differences between site, time-period, hemoglobin level. Results: In total, 990 (11.4%) of the encounters received transfusions; 711 (71.8%) were indicated while 279 (28.1%) were PA. Out of the transfusions that were indicated, 230 (32.3%) were given to patients with a hgb <70 g/L and 481 (67.7%) were given to patients with a hgb >70 g/L but who were hemodynamically unstable. Out of the transfusions that were PA, the highest number were given to those in the 71-80 g/L hgb group (142) and the lowest number were given to those in the 110-130 g/L hgb group (9), a difference that was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The PA transfusion rates from 2014 to 2018 were 30.8%, 25.6%, 34.5%, 23.6%, 20.7% respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Our data suggest that the number of PA transfusions at the hospitals in the Calgary zone is comparable to the rates reported in the existing literature. In addition, the rate of PA transfusions has decreased since the release of the guidelines. A limitation of the present study was that it did not look at the number of units of red blood cells transfused and since many patients receive more than one unit, it is possible that the number of PA transfusions was underestimated. Nevertheless, we intend to use our results to create a safer and more cost-effective approach to managing IDA.
P130: Timely initial assessment by a physician (IAP) improves community emergency department wait times
Authors: Upadhye S. , Kapend P. , Brown S. , Speck S. , Weera S. , Davies-Schinkel C.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Prior Canadian Emergency Department (ED) studies have demonstrated variable benefits of initial assessment physician (IAP) to rapidly assess and initiate care of ED patients after triage. These studies have been conducted primarily in academic teaching and large urban hospitals. It is not clear if such an IAP role could be beneficial in an small community hospital. Our pilot study hypothesized that instituting a supported IAP role can reduce physician intial assessment (PIA) time, total ED length of stay (LOS), and left-without-being-seen (LWBS) rates. Methods: This was a pre and post interrupted time series observational study at a community ED in Niagara Health Systems (Welland Ontario, 4 MD shifts, 36hrs total coverage, 30000 annual visits). In July 2017, an IAP ED shift (with separate assessment/treatment area) was re-purposed, with nursing support, to reduce initial time to MD assessment after triage. For lower acuity cases, the IAP MD generally completed full case management & disposition. Higher acuity complex cases were initiated by IAP, and transferred into the main ED care areas for “inside” MD management. Administrative data was accessed for 6 months prior to intervention, and 4 months available post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were calculated for collected data. Results: A modest improvement in different administrative ED performance metrics was observed. The following changes were noted pre and post IAP intervention: PIA time reduced from 3.6hrs to 3.2hrs, total ED LOS reduced from 19.2hrs to 13.8hrs, and daily LWBS rate reduced from 4.2% to 3.7%. This pilot study demonstrated improvement trends in ED performance metrics, although there is insufficient data to show statistical significance. Aggregate data was not subgrouped based on CTAS categories. This pilot was not intended to collect patient or staff satisfaction data, adverse events, nor designed to demonstrate cost-effectiveness Conclusion: Introducing an IAP shift in a small community ED has shown improvement trends for various ED throughput measures pertaining to outcomes such as PIA time, total LOS and LWBS rates. Further research is required to determine statistical significance of time reductions, satisfaction (patients, staff), resource utilization impact and CTAS subgroup performance. This improvement demonstrates potential impact system-wide across Niagara region.
P134: Organizational interventions and policies to support second victims in acute care settings: a scoping study
Authors: Wade L. , Williams N. , Fitzpatrick E. , Parker R. , Hurley K.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The harm that may come to healthcare providers impacted by adverse events has led them to be called “second victims.” Our objective was to characterize the range and context of interventions used to support second victims in acute care settings. Methods: We performed a scoping study using the process described by Arksey and O'Malley. Comprehensive searches of scientific databases and grey literature were conducted in September 2017 and updated in November 2018. A library scientist searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and CENTRAL. We sought unpublished literature (Canadian Electronic Library, Proquest and Scopus) and searched reference lists of included studies. Stakeholder organizations and authors of included studies were contacted through email, requesting information on relevant programs. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles and abstracts using predetermined criteria. Using a structured data abstraction form, two reviewers independently extracted data and appraised methodological quality with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). All discrepancies were resolved through consensus. A qualitative approach was used to categorize the context and characteristics of the identified strategies and interventions. Results: Our search strategy yielded 3883 results. After screening titles and abstracts, 173 studies underwent full text screening. Extracted data reflected 21 interventions categorized as providing peer-support (n = 7), proactive education (n = 7) or both (n = 7). Programs came from Canada (n = 2), Spain (n = 2), and United States (n = 17). Specific traumatic events were described as the trigger for development of five programs. While some programs were confined to a standard definition of second victim as a healthcare provider traumatized by an “unanticipated adverse patient event” (n = 6), other programs had a broader scope (n = 12) including situations such as non-accidental trauma, stressful anticipated patient events and complaints/litigation (3 programs were unclear about the definition). Confidentiality was assured in nine peer support programs. Outcome measures were often not reported and were limited in terms of quality. Conclusion: This is a new area of study with little scientific rigour from which to determine whether these programs are effective. Concerns about protecting healthcare providers from potential legal proceedings hinder documentation and study of program effectiveness.
P136: Increasing access to computed tomography scanning in the emergency department and its effect on patient outcomes
Authors: Watson M. , Richard C. , Fortino N. , Lyon T. , Ohle R.
Published: May 2019

Background: There is growing concern about emergency physicians overuse of computed tomography (CT). In an attempt to ensure appropriate ordering many hospitals implement strict protocols for ordering of CT scans in the emergency department (ED) that include approval of all scans by a board-certified radiologist, and a reduced access to CT overnight. Aim Statement: The aim of this study is to review the impact of RAD ED – direct access to CT ordering by ED physicians, 24hr CT technologist and third-party reporting on CT scans overnight. Our objectives were to assess the effect on; 1) ED length of stay, 2) number of CT scans ordered and 3) admission rates. Measures & Design: We conducted a prospective pilot before & after study at a single tertiary-care emergency department between February 1st, 2018 and July 31st, 2018. Inclusion criteria were adult patients presenting to the emergency department and undergoing CT for any of the following: face, neck, spine, upper and lower extremities, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Exclusion criteria were those undergoing CT head for stroke or trauma. Evaluation/Results: A total of 924 patients met our criteria, 352 before and 568 after implementation. Comparison of the patient populations demonstrate very similar characteristics in both groups; (49% male, average age 56 years, CTAS 2(40%) and 3(47%). Results demonstrate that an additional 216 scans were performed in post-implementation group. This equates to an increase of 61%. ED length of stay averaged 5.6 hours pre-implementation and 4.7 hours post-implementation. This corresponds to a significant reduction in length of stay of approximately 0.9 hours (p < 0.01). Collection is currently ongoing for factors that we will adjust for a multivariate analysis, including admission rates. Discussion/Impact: RAD ED led to a significant increase in CT ordering and decrease in ED length of stay. We believe that this project provides important information to clinicians and patients with regards to overall CT utilization, ED wait times, follow up visits for CT scanning and admission rates. It is also important for administrators to help decide if these new rules are leading to improved efficiency, and to help estimate their financial impact.
P139: The use of simulation in emergency medicine UGME clerkship education: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Karol D. , Wilson S. , Elliott C. , Chen K.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Simulation is becoming widely adopted across medical disciplines and by different medical professionals. For medical students, emergency medicine simulation has been shown to increase knowledge, confidence and satisfaction. At the University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre, third-year medical students participate in simulated scenarios common to Emergency Medicine (EM) as part of their mandatory EM clerkship rotation. This study aims to evaluate simulation as part of the EM clerkship rotation by assessing changes in student confidence following a simulation session. Methods: In groups of seven, third year medical students at the University of Ottawa completed simulation sessions of the following: Status Asthmaticus, Status Epilepticus, Urosepsis and Breaking Bad News. Student confidence with each topic was assessed before and after simulation with a written survey. Confidence scores pre- and post-simulation were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Forty-eight third years medical students in their core EM clerkship rotation, between September 2017 and August 2018 participated in this study. Medical student confidence with diagnosis of status asthmaticus (N = 44, p = 0.0449) and status epilepticus (N = 45, p = 0.0011) increased significantly following simulation, whereas confidence with diagnosis of urosepsis was unchanged (N = 45, p = 0.0871). Treatment confidence increased significantly for status asthmaticus (N = 47, p = 0.0009), status epilepticus (N = 48, p = 0.0005) and urosepsis (N = 48, p < 0.0001). Confidence for breaking bad news was not significantly changed after simulation (N = 47, p = 0.0689). Conclusion: Simulation training in our EM clerkship rotation significantly increased the confidence of medical students for certain common EM presentations, but not for all. Further work will aim to understand why some simulation scenarios did not improve confidence, and look to improve existing scenarios.
P142: Gaps in public preparedness to be a substitute decision maker and the acceptability of high school education on resuscitation and end-of-life care: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Wong M. , Medor M. , Yelle Labre K. , Jiang M. , Frank J. , Fischer L. , Cheung W.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: When a patient is incapable of making medical decisions for themselves, choices are made according to the patient's previously expressed, wishes, values, and beliefs by a substitute decision maker (SDM). While interventions to engage patients in their own advance care planning exist, little is known about public readiness to act as a SDM on behalf of a loved one. This mixed-methods survey aimed to describe attitudes, enablers and barriers to preparedness to act as a SDM, and support for a population-level curriculum on the role of an SDM in end-of-life and resuscitative care. Methods: From November 2017 to June 2018, a mixed-methods street intercept survey was conducted in Ottawa, Canada. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used to assess predictors of preparedness to be a SDM and understand support for a high school curriculum. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: The 430 respondents were mostly female (56.5%) with an average age of 33.9. Although 73.0% of respondents felt prepared to be a SDM, 41.0% of those who reported preparedness never had a meaningful conversation with loved ones about their wishes in critical illness. The only predictors of SDM preparedness were the belief that one would be a future SDM (OR 2.36 95% CI 1.34-4.17), and age 50-64 compared to age 16-17 (OR 7.46 95% CI 1.25-44.51). Thematic enablers of preparedness included an understanding of a patient's wishes, the role of the SDM and strong familial relationships. Barriers included cultural norms, family conflict, and a need for time for high stakes decisions. Most respondents (71.9%) believed that 16 year olds should learn about SDMs. They noted age appropriateness, potential developmental and societal benefit, and improved decision making, while cautioning the need for a nuanced approach respectful of different maturity levels, cultures and individual experiences. Conclusion: This study reveals a concerning gap between perceived preparedness and actions taken in preparation to be an SDM for loved ones suffering critical illness. The results also highlight the potential role for high school education to address this gap. Future studies should further explore the themes identified to inform development of resources and curricula for improved health literacy in resuscitation and end-of-life care.
PL03: Prevalence and clinical predictors of intracranial hemorrhage in seniors who have fallen
Authors: de Wit K. , Mercuri M. , Varner C. , Parpia S. , McLeod S. , Clayton N. , Kearon C. , Worster A.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The Canadian population is aging and an increasing proportion of emergency department (ED) patients are seniors. ED visits among seniors are frequently instigated by a fall at home. Some of these patients develop intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) because of falling. There has been little research on the frequency of ICH in elderly patients who fall, and on which clinical factors are associated with ICH in these patients. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of ICH, and the clinical features which are associated with ICH, in seniors who present to the ED having fallen. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted in three EDs. Patients were included if they were age >65 years, and presented to the ED within 48 hours of a fall on level ground, off a bed/chair/toilet or down one step. Patients were excluded if they fell from a height, were knocked over by a vehicle or were assaulted. ED physicians recorded predefined clinical findings (yes/no) before any head imaging was done. Head imaging was done at the ED physician's discretion. All patients were followed for 6 weeks (both by telephone call and chart review at 6 weeks) for evidence of ICH. Associations between baseline clinical findings and the presence of ICH were assessed with multivariable logistic regression. Results: In total, 1753 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of ICH was 5.0% (88 patients), of whom 74 patients had ICH on the ED CT scan and 14 had ICH diagnosed during follow-up. 61% were female and the median age was 82 (interquartile range 75-88). History included hypertension in 76%, diabetes in 29%, dementia in 27%, stroke/TIA in 19%, major bleeding in 11% and chronic kidney disease in 11%. 35% were on antiplatelet therapy and 25% were on an anticoagulant. Only 4 clinical variables were independently associated with ICH: bruise/laceration on the head (odds ratio (OR): 4.3; 95% CI 2.7-7.0), new abnormalities on neurological examination (OR: 4.4; 2.4-8.1), chronic kidney disease (OR: 2.4; 1.3-4.6) and reduced GCS from baseline (OR: 1.9; 1.0-3.4). Neither anticoagulation (OR: 0.9; 0.5-1.6) nor antiplatelet use (OR: 1.1; 0.6-1.8) appeared to be associated with ICH. Conclusion: This prospective study found a prevalence of ICH of 5.0% in seniors after a fall, and that bruising on the head, abnormal neurological examination, abnormal GCS and chronic kidney disease were predictive of ICH.
LO01: Development and validation of an adjustment score for ruling out MI using a single high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T assay in patients with chest pain and kidney dysfunction
Authors: McRae A. , Vatanpour S. , Ma J. , Lang E. , Andruchow J. , Innes G. , James M. , Worster A. , Kavsak P.
Published: May 2019

Introduction: Very low concentrations of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin can rule-out myocardial infarction (MI) at ED arrival in patients with chest pain. However, this single troponin rule-out strategy works poorly in patients with renal impairment and elevated baseline troponin levels. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a troponin adjustment strategy to accurately rule-out MI with a single hs-cTnTmeasurement in patients with kidney dysfunction. Methods: We used data from three cohorts of ED chest pain patients to develop an adjustment score for a high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) assay in patients with kidney dysfunction. The derivation cohort (n = 8846) used administrative and registry data. Two validation cohorts (n = 1187 and 1092) were prospectively-collected. The score assigned points for increasing hs-cTnT levels and subtracted points for lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In the derivation cohort, hs-cTnT concentrations achieving 98.5% sensitivity in of patients with eGFR ≥60, 45-59, 30-44, 15-29 and <15 were assigned ascending positive integer values. Negative integer values were assigned to eGFR values 45-59, 30-44, 15-29 and <15. The scpres for troponin and eGFR were summed for each patient, with scores ranging from −4 to +5. The proportion of patients with 7-day MI ruled out by a score ≤0, sensitivity, NPV, negative likelihood ratio (LR-) and area under the curve (AUC) were quantified in each study cohort. Results: The derivation and validation cohorts had 7-day MI rates of 5.7, 8.6 and 9.1%. In the derivation cohort, a score ≤0 ruled out MI in 35% of patients, with a sensitivity for 7-day MI of 99.5% (95% CI 98-100), NPV of 99.9% (95% CI 98.4-99.9), LR- of 0.02 (95% CI 0.01-0.05) and AUC of 0.88. In the first validation cohort, a score ≤0 ruled out MI in 45% of patients, with a sensitivity for 7-day MI of 97% (95% CI 90-100%), NPV of 99% (95% CI 98-100%), LR- 0.06 (0.02-0.18) and AUC of 0.89. In the second validation cohort, a score ≤0 ruled out MI in 20% of patients, with a sensitivity for 7-day MI of 96% (95% CI 93-99%), NPV of 98% (95% CI 96-100%), LR- of 0.16 (95% CI 0.07-0.39) and AUC of 0.78. Conclusion: We developed and validated a simple scoring system to adjust hs-cTnT concentrations for a patient's kidney function that enables MI to be ruled out in a large proportion of chest pain patients using a single measurement on ED presentation.