Operationalizing influenza vaccination in an urban safety-net emergency department.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza vaccination is a recommended tool in preventing influenza-related illnesses, medical visits, and hospitalizations. With many patients remaining unvaccinated each year, the Emergency Department (ED) represents a unique opportunity to provide vaccinations to patient not yet vaccinated. However, busy urban safety-net EDs maybe challenged to safely execute such a vaccination program. The aim of this quality improvement project was to assess influenza vaccination feasibility in the ED and improve influenza vaccination rates in our community. METHODS: The quality improvement work-group, comprised of ED physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, designed and implemented an influenza vaccination protocol that aligned with the ED workflow. The outcome measure was the total number of patients vaccinated per month and per influenza season. Process measures included the type of influenza vaccine administered and type of care area within ED. Balancing measures were also included. RESULTS: Following the initiative, a total of 337 patients received influenza vaccinations in the ED between September 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 compared to none during the previous influenza season. With each influenza season, the number of vaccinated patients increased from 61 to 134 and 142, respectively. The average age of the patients was 48.23 ± 15.29, 52.89 ± 15.91, and 44.92 ± 18.97 years old. Most patients received the vaccination while roomed in the high acuity section of the adult ED. No adverse effects or automated dispensing cabinet stockouts were observed. CONCLUSION: Our structured program indicates that influenza vaccine administration to eligible patients is feasible in a busy urban safety-net ED. Piloting new and further developing existing ED-based influenza vaccination programs have the potential to significantly benefit public health.

Topical use of tranexamic acid for the management of post-procedural rectal bleeding.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used in the Emergency Department (ED). While the intravenous form has been extensively studied and used, it's utility in a topical formulation is not as widespread. Its reported use in the ED is mostly for control of epistaxis. We present a case of a 61 year old male with post-procedural rectal bleeding, responsive to topical application of tranexamic acid. This case report demonstrates another novel application of TXA in emergency care.

Hyperglycemia Management Prior to Admission in an Urban Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this quality improvement project was to decrease the percentage of emergency department (ED) patients admitted with blood glucose (BG) level above 250 mg/dL to less than 20%. METHODS: A work group comprised physicians, pharmacists, and endocrinologists collaborated to standardize management of ED hyperglycemia. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles included education, monitoring of patients with BG level above 200 mg/dL, and development of an ED-specific insulin protocol. RESULTS: Following the initiative, 24.8% fewer patients were admitted with BG level above 250 mg/dL. The average admission BG level was reduced by 65.8 mg/dL, creating a significant shift toward improved average BG level. No difference was seen in hospital mortality, hospital length of stay, ED length of stay, hypoglycemia, or inhospital diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a standardized hyperglycemia treatment protocol along with pharmacist interventions reduced average admission BG and the percentage of patients with BG level above 250 mg/dL on admission.

Presence of "One Pill Can Kill" Medications in Medication Organizers: Implications for Child Safety.

BACKGROUND: Medication organizers increased compliance, but they do not contain child protective packaging. Medications organizers have been involved in some pediatric exposures; however, previous reports do not describe if "one pill can kill" (1PCK) medications were involved in the exposures. 1PCK medications may cause toxicity even with a single tablet. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the type and presence of 1PCK medications dispensed in medication organizers at a single center. METHODS: Adult patients who received blister packed medications from September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 were included in this retrospective review. Medications were excluded if dispensed traditionally during this time. The primary outcome described included 1PCK medications (quantity and type). Secondary outcomes included total number of tablets dispensed, delayed- (DR) and extended-release (ER) formulations, average age of those dispensed 1PCK medications versus those without. RESULTS: A total of 450 patients received 486 blister packs and 75.5% of which found to include 1PCK medications. Most commonly included 1PCK medications were beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers (42.4 and 49.4%, respectively). Patients receiving 1PCK medications were older (69.1 ± 12.6 vs 62.6 ± 16.7 years old, p < 0.0001) and included more medications (8.5 ± 2.9 vs 5.7 ± 2.9 medications, p < 0.0001). DR and ER formulations were in 150 packs. CONCLUSION: The majority of dispensed medication organizers included 1PCK medications. Upon dispensing, patients should be questioned for possible proximity exposures. Additionally, they should receive education on medication safety for children that may be in proximity of the medications during home, work, or social activities.

Medical emergency kits in ambulatory care clinics.

Implementation and staff perceptions of usability and feasibility.