The Role of Ultrasound-Guided Therapeutic Thoracentesis in an Outpatient Transitional Care Program: A Case Series.
Am J Hosp Palliat Care
; 36(10): 927-931, 2019 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30884952
BACKGROUND: Symptomatic pleural effusions create discomfort and are a frequent cause of hospitalization. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis is a key palliative intervention to assist in the management of this vulnerable population. Our institution has created a multidisciplinary transitional care program to address the needs of those discharged from the hospital with chronic complex conditions, including symptomatic pleural effusions. METHODS: This case series was performed in a transitional care clinic between May 8, 2017, and December 11, 2018. Eight unique patients with symptomatic pleural effusions were referred to our clinic posthospital discharge and treated with ultrasound-guided thoracentesis. A retrospective review was performed to assess procedure details, complications, and follow-up emergency department visits or hospital readmissions. Additionally, cost comparison data were obtained from the hospital financial system. RESULTS: Of the 8 unique patients, 15 thoracenteses were performed over the 19-month period in the transitional care clinic. The median age of the cohort was 56 years old (range: 39-92 years). All patients reported an immediate relief of symptoms (dyspnea and/ or pain) and no procedural complications. The total cost of performing an ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in the transitional care clinic was 61.8% that of performing the procedure in the hospital (US$537.61 vs US$869.65). CONCLUSION: All 8 patients experienced an immediate relief in pleural effusion-related symptoms following thoracentesis. Our experience helps reveal the safety, efficacy, and cost-efficiency of ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in providing symptom management for patients with pleural effusions in a transitional care clinic.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Derrame Pleural
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Ultrasonografía Intervencional
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Toracocentesis
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Cuidado de Transición
Tipo de estudio:
Observational_studies
Límite:
Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Hosp Palliat Care
Asunto de la revista:
ENFERMAGEM
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos