Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-8kt4b Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-16T21:18:33.790Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

F.6 Opportunities for improvement: understanding drivers of emergency department visits within 90 days of posterior spinal decompression surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 May 2024

J Smith-Forrester
Affiliation:
(Halifax)*
J Douglas
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
E Nemeth
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
J Alant
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
S Barry
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
A Glennie
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
W Oxner
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
L Weise
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
S Christie
Affiliation:
(Halifax)
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Background: Canadian Emergency Departments (EDs) are overburdened. Understanding the drivers for postoperative patients to attend the ED allows for targeted interventions thereby reducing demand. We sought to identify “bounce back” patterns for subsequent QI initiatives. Methods: From April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2022, all provincial ED datasets (EDIS, STAR, Meditech) identified patients presenting within 90 days post-spine surgery. Using Canadian Classification of Health Interventions codes, laminectomies (1SC80) and discectomies (1SE87) demonstrated the highest ED visit rates. Comprehensive chart reviews were conducted identifying surgical and medical reasons for presentation within this timeframe. Results: Reviewing a cohort of 2165 post-decompression patients, 42.1% presented to the ED (n=912) with 62.8% of these directly related to surgery. Primary reasons included wound care (31.6%), pain management (31.6%), and bladder issues (retention or UTI, 11.0%). Simple wound evaluation constituted 49.7% of wound-related visits, with surgical site infection 37.6% and dehiscence 6.6% accounting for the remainder. Pain-related presentations resulted in 72.3% discharge with additional medications, and 27.7% necessitating hospital admission. New or worsening neurologic deficits were reported in 8.9% of ED visits. Conclusions: These findings illuminate crucial aspects of postoperative care and ED utilization patterns. Prioritizing patient education, pain management, and wound care could help alleviate the national ED crisis.

Type
Abstracts
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation