Emilie Pianarosa, Pam Roach, Claire E H Barber, Brian R Holroyd, Patrick McLane, Steven J Katz, Meghan J Elliott, Nazret Russon, Clare Hildebrandt, Kelsey Chomistek, Eileen Davidson, Stephanie Keeling, Cheryl Barnabe
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective: Patients may use emergency departments (EDs) to meet their health needs when ambulatory care systems are not sufficient. We aim to describe contributing factors to the decision made by persons with inflammatory arthritis (IA) to present to the ED, as well as their experiences of ED care and postdischarge follow-up.
Methods: An embedded mixed-methods approach was taken to contextualize quantitative data with associated free-text responses from an online survey distributed to residents of Alberta with a known IA condition and an ED visit.
Results: Eighty-two persons (63% aged 16-55 years, 48% female, 50% urban residents) with rheumatoid arthritis (48%), psoriatic arthritis (12%), spondyloarthritis (6%), or gout (34%) completed the survey. Presenting concerns were arthritis flare (37%), chest pain (15%), injury (12%), and infection (11%). Of all visits, 29% proceeded directly to the ED, 35% attempted accessing ambulatory care first, and 32% arrived for a return visit. In presentations for arthritis flare, patients were aware of the rheumatology service being contacted by the ED provider for advice in just 9% of events. Challenges in healthcare system coordination and system pressures resulted in patients requiring ED attendance to assess their concern. The quality of communication and relationality developed between patients with IA and healthcare providers informed experiences of ED care.
Conclusion: Modifying rheumatology ambulatory care models could better meet patient needs and ultimately reduce avoidable ED use by patients with IA.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Rheumatology is a monthly international serial edited by Earl D. Silverman. The Journal features research articles on clinical subjects from scientists working in rheumatology and related fields, as well as proceedings of meetings as supplements to regular issues. Highlights of our 41 years serving Rheumatology include: groundbreaking and provocative editorials such as "Inverting the Pyramid," renowned Pediatric Rheumatology, proceedings of OMERACT and the Canadian Rheumatology Association, Cochrane Musculoskeletal Reviews, and supplements on emerging therapies.