Journal of Blood Disorders & Transfusion

Biree Andemariam

Publications

• Research Article
  Timely Analgesia, Reduced Hospitalization Rate, and Improved Economic Efficiency Following Implementation of a New Emergency Department Sickle Cell Pain Management Algorithm
  Author(s): Biree Andemariam, Victoria Odesina, Jasmine Owarish-Gross, Josue Santos, James Grady, Aleksandr Gorenbeyn, Adam C. Powell and William T ZempskyBiree Andemariam, Victoria Odesina, Jasmine Owarish-Gross, Josue Santos, James Grady, Aleksandr Gorenbeyn, Adam C. Powell and William T Zempsky
  
  Context: Adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with severe pain often experience treatment delays and long, costly hospitalizations. Objectives: A fast-track ED SCD pain management algorithm was developed and then evaluated for its clinical and economic impact. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review to compare outcomes of ED visits for SCD-related pain two years before and after algorithm implementation. Patient demographics, ED utilization, and treatment outcome measures including time from registration to first opioid treatment, ED length of stay, hospitalization rate, hospitalization length of stay, and both hospital and ED revenue production were compared. Results: There was a total of 699 consecutive ED visits for SCD-related pain (131 pre- and 568 postalgorithm). Median time to first opioid dose decreased from 53 to 32 minute.. View More»
  

  Abstract PDF