Optimizing the Use of a Precious Resource: The Role of Emergency Physicians in a Humanitarian Crisis

Parmar, Parveen; Greenough, P. Gregg

doi:10.5811/westjem.2017.3.32718

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Our results have implications for the management of emergency care after violent events. Although much has been written on emergency and hospital preparedness for receiving mass casualties during violent events [31,32], less is known about resource implications of the indirect effect of violent events on hospitals and EDs. Understanding the impact of stressful events on population health, the types of ED diagnoses presenting to EDs and the acuity that can be expected after violent events can help hospitals and EDs better meet their community's needs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Indirect impact of violent events on emergency department utilization and disease patterns

et al. 2020

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Background: The health effects of war and armed conflict on casualties and mental health of those directly exposed has been well described, but few studies have explored the indirect health effects of violent events. This paper assesses the indirect health impact of several violent events that took place in Beirut in 2013-2014 on ED visit utilization and disease patterns. Methods: As tracked by media reports, there were 9 violent events in Beirut during 2013-2014. We compared visits to the Emergency Department of a major medical center during weeks when violent events happened and weeks without such events (the preceding week and the same week in preceding years). After re-coding de-identified data from the medical records of 23,067 patients, we assessed differences in the volume of visits, severity index, and discharge diagnoses. Individual control charts were used to analyze ED visit trends post-event. Results: Comparisons of weeks with violent events and weeks without such events indicate that the sociodemographic characteristics of patients who visited the Emergency Department were similar. Patients seen during violent weeks were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and less likely to present with low acuity complaints, indicating greater complexity of their conditions. The discharge diagnoses that were significantly higher during violent event weeks included anxiety disorders, sprains, and gastritis. Daily ED visits dropped post events by 14.111%, p < 0.0001. Conclusions: The results indicate that violent events such as bombs, explosions, and terrorist attacks reverberate through the population, impact patterns of ED utilization immediately post-event and are associated with adverse health outcomes, even among those who are not directly affected by the events.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Indirect impact of violent events on emergency department utilization and disease patterns

et al. 2020

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Indirect impact of violent events on Emergency Department utilization and disease patterns

Hitti

Makhlouf-Obermeyer

Sharara

2019

Preprint

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Background The health effects of war and armed conflict on casualties and mental health of those directly exposed has been well described, but few studies have explored the indirect health effects of violent events. This paper assesses the indirect health impact of several violent events that took place in Beirut in 2013-2014 on ED visit utilization and disease patterns. Methods As tracked by media reports, there were 9 violent events in Beirut during 2013-2014. We compared visits to the Emergency Department of a major medical center during weeks when violent events happened and weeks without such events (the preceding week and the same week in preceding years). After re-coding de-identified data from the medical records of 23,067 patients, we assessed differences in the volume of visits, severity index, and discharge diagnoses. Individual control charts were used to analyze ED visit trends post-event. Results Comparisons of weeks with violent events and weeks without such events indicate that the socio-demographic characteristics of patients who visited the Emergency Department were similar. Patients seen during violent weeks were significantly more likely to be admitted to the hospital, and to have a lower emergency severity index, indicating greater acuity of their conditions. The discharge diagnoses that were significantly higher during violent event weeks included anxiety disorders, sprains, and gastritis. Daily ED visits dropped post events. Conclusions The results indicate that violent events such as bombs, explosions, and terrorist attacks reverberate through the population, impact patterns of ED utilization immediately post-event and are associated with adverse health outcomes, even among those who are not directly affected by the events.

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How are healthcare provider systems preparing for health emergency situations?

DeVita

Brett-Major

Katz

2021

World Med & Health Policy

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Natural disasters, disease outbreaks, famine, and human conflict have strained communities everywhere over the course of human existence. However, modern changes in climate, human mobility, and other factors have increased the global community's vulnerability to widespread emergencies. We are in the midst of a disruptive health event, with the COVID‐19 pandemic testing our health provider systems globally. This study presents a qualitative analysis of published literature, obtained systematically, to examine approaches health providers are taking to prepare for and respond to mass casualty incidents around the globe. The research reveals emerging trends in the weaknesses of systems' disaster responses while highlighting proposed solutions, so that others may better prepare for future disasters. Additionally, the research examines gaps in the literature, to foster more targeted and actionable contributions to the literature.

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Optimizing the Use of a Precious Resource: The Role of Emergency Physicians in a Humanitarian Crisis

Cited by 3 publications

References 7 publications

Indirect impact of violent events on emergency department utilization and disease patterns

Indirect impact of violent events on emergency department utilization and disease patterns

Indirect impact of violent events on Emergency Department utilization and disease patterns

How are healthcare provider systems preparing for health emergency situations?

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