Transmissible Infectious Disease (HIV/HCV)
Since 2011, UAB has engaged in HCV and HIV screening in the UAB Emergency Department, as well as linkage-to-care and follow-up activities for confirmed-positive cases. In addition, we have ongoing projects identifying persons at-risk for HIV with referral to comprehensive prevention services. Finally we look forward to embarking on infectious disease prevention projects, including initiated HPV vaccine administration.
Diabetes Mellitus Screening
Our team is conducting research to better understand how emergency department (ED) visits can serve as an important touchpoint for identifying patients with poorly controlled diabetes. We are utilizing point-of-care hemoglobin A1C testing to better understand how a single elevated serum glucose in the ED reflects glycemic control. In the future, we plan to build on this work with an intervention study aimed at improving linkage to outpatient care and optimizing diabetes management. By leveraging the ED as a critical access point, this research has the potential to improve population health outcomes and reduce preventable complications from uncontrolled diabetes.
Breast Cancer Screening
Substance Use Disorder
UAB ED has embarked on the creation and implementation of protocols for identifying and delivering short-term treatment for opioid use disorder cases presenting to the UAB Emergency Department and linking these cases to definitive treatment facilities. Further, ongoing projects aim to identify opioid use disorder in emergency department patients via natural language processing EMR integration. Finally, we also are engaged in an active 24/7 Peer engagement model and universal substance use disorder screener.
