POTENTIALLY DEFERRABLE PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH SEIZURES TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS IN LONDON, ONTARIO
Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Kathy Speechley
Second Advisor
Dr. Gary Joubert
Third Advisor
Dr. Amardeep Thind
Abstract
Objective: To estimate the proportion of seizure presentations to London EDs that could be classified as “potentially deferrable” (PD), defined as cases that ωuld be more appropriately cared for in a non-ED setting. To compare non-deferrable patients with PD patients in terms of age, sex, seizure presentation characteristics, history of seizures and health care resource use. Methods: Chart review conducted of patients identified with a seizure that reported to any of the 3 ED sites in London in 2005. Criteria were developed a priori to classify visits as non-deferrable or PD. Epidemiological model building was used to determine explanatory factors for visit deferability. Results: 830 patients presented to an ED, with a total of 1200 visits, 37% were PD. Age, triage code, use of hospital resources, length of stay, witnessed seizures, history of seizures and seizure medications were significantly associated with deferability. Conclusion: One-third of visits were PD, presenting an opportunity for educational intervention.
Recommended Citation
Kapoor, Deepa, "POTENTIALLY DEFERRABLE PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH SEIZURES TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS IN LONDON, ONTARIO" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4786.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4786