Background: Recognition and diagnosis of concussion is increasing, but current research shows these patients are discharged from the emergency department (ED) with a wide variability of recommendations and instructions.

Objective: To assess the adequacy of documentation of discharge instructions given to patients discharged from the ED with concussions.

Methods: This was a quality-improvement study conducted at a University-based Level I trauma center. A chart review was performed on all patients discharged with closed head injury or concussion over a 1-year period. Chi-squared measures of association and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the proportion of patients receiving discharge instructions (printed or documented in the chart as discussed by the physician). Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between whether the concussion was sport-related in relation to our primary outcomes.

Results: There were 1855 charts that met inclusion criteria. The physician documented discussion of concussion discharge instructions in 41% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39.2-43.7) and printed instructions were given in 71% (95% CI 69.1-73.2). Physicians documented discussion of instructions more often for sport-related vs. non-sport-related concussion (58% vs. 39%, p = 0.008) with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (95% CI 1.6-2.8). Discharge instructions were given more often for sport-related injuries than those without sport-related injuries (85% vs. 69%, p = 0.047), with an OR of 2.2 (95% CI 1.6-3.1). Children were more likely to have had physician-documented discussion of instructions (56%, 95% CI 52.3-59.1 vs. 31%, 95% CI 28.0-33.6), printed discharge instructions (86%, 95% CI 83.2-88.1 vs. 61%, 95% CI 57.6-63.4), and return-to-play precautions given (11.2%, 95% CI 9.2-13.6 vs. 4.5%, 95% CI 3.4-5.9) compared with adults.

Conclusions: Documentation of discharge instructions given to ED patients with concussions was inadequate, overall.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2016.12.017DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

discharge instructions
28
patients discharged
12
instructions
10
95%
10
concussion discharge
8
emergency department
8
documentation discharge
8
instructions patients
8
documented discussion
8
discussion instructions
8

Similar Publications

Association between screening for suspected COVID-19 cases and outcomes of patients revisiting the emergency department.

Am J Manag Care

January 2025

Institute of Health Policy and Management and Master of Public Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, No. 17 Xu-Zhou Road, Taipei 100, Taiwan. Email:

Objectives: Patients who revisit the emergency department (ED) shortly after discharge are a high-risk group for complications and death, and these revisits may have been seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Detecting suspected COVID-19 cases in EDs is resource intensive. We examined the associations of screening workload for suspected COVID-19 cases with in-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission during short-term ED revisits.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

: Spinal Phenol IN Glycerol (SPING) block is a novel palliative pain treatment for the non-operative management of proximal femur fractures (PFFs) in older adults living with frailty. Effective pain management that aligns with patient preferences and minimizes opioid use is critical in this setting. This study evaluated the patient, safety, and process outcomes of SPING block in this population.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Limb-salvage surgery for malignant bone tumors can be associated with considerable perioperative blood loss. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the safety and efficacy of the intraoperative infusion of tranexamic acid (TXA) in children and adolescents undergoing limb-salvage surgery.

Methods: All participants were <18 years of age at the time of surgery and diagnosed with a malignant bone tumor of the femur that was treated with resection and reconstruction with a megaprosthesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Acute aluminum phosphide (ALP) poisoning presents a significant global medical challenge, particularly in regions where it is commonly used as a pesticide. Despite medical advancements, mortality rates from ALP poisoning remain high. Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) infusion therapy has emerged as a potential treatment for ALP poisoning due to its ability to counteract its toxic effects on metabolism and heart function.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery principles has led to exploration of ambulatory pathways in surgery, including gastrointestinal surgery. However, implementation of ambulatory pathways after colorectal surgery has not been established yet. Previous studies suggest that discharge within 24 h in colorectal surgery is only possible with a clear protocol and careful patient selection.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!