Back so soon? Characterizing emergency department use after trauma. Am J Surg 2020 Jul;220(1):217-221
Date
11/20/2019Pubmed ID
31739980DOI
10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.10.046Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85075399922 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 3 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Trauma readmissions have been well studied but little data exists regarding Emergency Department (ED) utilization following an injury. This study was performed to determine the factors associated with a return to the ED after trauma.
METHODS: A retrospective review of all adult trauma patients evaluated between January and December of 2014 was performed. Demographics, follow-up plan, and characteristics of ED visits within 30 days of discharge were recorded. Predictive factors of ED utilization were identified using univariate analysis and multi-logistic regression.
RESULTS: Fourteen percent of 1836 consecutive patients returned to the ED within 30 days of initial trauma. On multi-logistic regression, penetrating trauma (OR 2.15 p = 0.001), and scheduled follow-up (OR 1.81 p = 0.046) remained significant predictors.
CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating trauma victims are at increased risk of returning to the ED, most often because of wound or pain issues. Recognizing these factors allows for targeted interventions to decrease ED resource utilization.
Author List
Abou-Hanna J, Kugler NW, Rein L, Szabo A, Carver TWAuthors
Thomas W. Carver MD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinNathan W. Kugler MD Assistant Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Lisa E. Rein Biostatistician III in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Aniko Szabo PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultFemale
Humans
Incidence
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Readmission
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Trauma Centers
United States
Wounds and Injuries
Young Adult
