Publications by authors named "M M Balcells-Olivero"
Introduction: Alcohol-related problems increase the probability of frequent emergency department (ED) use. In this study, we compared the direct healthcare expenses incurred during a single visit among frequent and non-frequent ED users and analyzed the impact of alcohol-related issues in healthcare costs arising from ED usage.
Methods: The study relied on secondary analyses of economic data from a 1:1 matched case-control study with the primary aim of identifying the clinical characteristics of hospital ED frequent users in a Mediterranean European environment with a public, universal, and tax-funded health system.
Article Synopsis
- * A Delphi study involving 45 experts from Spain was conducted, utilizing an online survey to reach consensus on high-risk usage parameters based on a standardized measure called the Standard Joint Unit (SJU).
- * The established consensus defined high-risk cannabis use as exceeding 4 SJU (over 28 mg THC) per week, or using cannabis with a potency greater than 10% THC.
Introduction: Patients who make 5 or more visits per year to hospital emergency departments (EDs) are usually considered ED frequent users (FUs). This study aims to better characterize the influence of alcohol and other drug use-related disorders in this phenomenon in a European Mediterranean country with public, universal, tax-financed healthcare system.
Methods: Matched case-control study.
Background: With the aim of improving treatment retention in patients with the onset of alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD), we designed a blended intervention (brief motivational intervention + 'serious game' (SG)). We present the participatory design methodology and outcomes and the usability assessment of the intervention.
Methods: (1) The design of the SG was based on the outcomes of two 3-h co-creation sessions with 37 participants (healthcare and technology professionals, patients, and patients' relatives).