Work

Home Treatment for Low-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Is it Happening?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Patients with pulmonary embolus (PE) can be stratified into low, intermediate, and high risk based on such factors as hemodynamics and the status of the right ventricle. Low risk patients who meet appropriate criteria can potentially be discharged home with oral anticoagulation, avoiding unnecessary hospitalization and associated complications and costs. However, limited data suggest early discharge of low-risk patients has not gained widespread traction. This retrospective study reviewed 138 patients seen in a high-volume emergency department (ED), 29 of whom were considered low-risk. Of these, 24 (82.7%) were still admitted to the hospital despite meeting appropriate criteria for early discharge. This suggests early discharge of low-risk PE patients is underutilized. A variety of quality improvement measures can be implemented to increase adoption of this approach.

Source: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1418

Authors: Faria Ahmed Nitol, Holman Li DO, Mohammad Raja, Andrew Miele, Craig Thurm

Institution: Jamaica Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Internal Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500