Medical care
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Prior studies of acute abdominal pain provide conflicting data regarding the presence of racial/ethnic disparities in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ Analysis of 5 years of CDC-NHAMCS data corroborates the presence of racial/ethnic disparities in ED management of pain on a national scale. On the basis of a uniform definition, the results establish the need for concerted quality-improvement efforts to ensure that all patients, regardless of race/ethnicity, receive optimal access to pain relief.
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Little is known about the care that adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients receive at the end of life (EOL). ⋯ Given the high rates of intensive measures and low utilization of hospice at the EOL among AYA Medicaid enrollees, opportunities to maximize the quality of EOL care in this high-risk group should be prioritized.
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Individuals under age 25 years are estimated to comprise one third of the homeless population nationally. Understanding the reasons for utilization of hospitals by homeless youth is important for optimizing disposition planning. ⋯ Homeless young people who seek hospital care demonstrate a high rate of ED visits and hospital readmissions, with unique predictors of utilization associated with sex and housing status. Additional research is necessary to determine how best to transition these young people from hospital-based to community-based care.