Back on the Streets: Examining Emergency Department Return Rates for Unhoused Patients Discharged After Trauma
Contact us if these videos are not relevant.
Contact us if these videos are not relevant.
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Unhoused individuals with trauma are more likely to return to the Emergency Department (ED) for new injuries and complications. This highlights potential gaps in follow-up care for this vulnerable population.
Area Of Science
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background
- Unhoused populations face elevated risks of traumatic injuries and barriers to healthcare access.
- Limited data exists on Emergency Department (ED) return rates and reasons for return among unhoused versus housed trauma patients.
Purpose Of The Study
- To compare ED return rates and reasons for return between unhoused and housed patients discharged after traumatic injury.
- To identify disparities in post-trauma care and outcomes for unhoused individuals.
Main Methods
- A 3-year retrospective cohort study was conducted at a level-1 trauma center.
- Included patients discharged from the ED with traumatic injuries without hospital admission.
- Primary outcome: ED returns for trauma complications or new trauma within 6 months.
Main Results
- Unhoused patients (20.3%) had higher ED return rates (18.8% vs 13.9%) compared to housed patients.
- Unhoused patients were more likely to return for new trauma (7.1% vs 2.8%) and trauma complications (4.6% vs 3.1%).
- Unhoused patients showed higher rates of wound infection upon return and were less likely to return for scheduled wound checks.
Conclusions
- Significant disparities exist in post-trauma care for unhoused individuals.
- Inadequate follow-up care for unhoused patients may contribute to increased ED returns and complications.
Contact us if these videos are not relevant.
Contact us if these videos are not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
The discharge summary is crucial as it enables a smooth transition from a healthcare facility to a patient's home or another care setting. This critical document facilitates seamless continuity of care, ensuring patients receive the necessary support and attention.
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
• Overview of Hospital Stay: This section offers a concise summary of the patient's hospitalization, detailing the...
Restorative care is provided once a patient has been discharged from a healthcare facility and requires additional services. The additional services include home care, rehabilitation programs, and extended care. Restorative care centers help the patient regain their previous level of functioning or acquire a new level of functioning due to the incapacitating effects of a disease or a disability. It aims to assist patients in enhancing their quality of life by encouraging independence,...
SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
An Incident or Occurrence Report in a healthcare setting is a crucial document used to record any unexpected occurrence that may or may not have affected a patient, employee, or visitor. Such reports are critical to improving patient safety and include all details leading up to and including the event.
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
• Nurses obtain a detailed history of the...