UMEM Educational Pearls

This study is out of the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and courtesy of our own Mazen El Sayed!

Many patients of Muslim faith will observe fasting during the month of Ramadan, with no food, water, oral of IV medication taken from sunrise to sunset

This study showed a lower daily ED volume than during non Ramadan months, however did show a higher length of stay during Ramadan.

It also found an increase in mortality rates during Ramadan (OR 2.88) and 72 hour ED bounce-backs (OR 1.34)

Be sensitive and aware of the needs of your patients of Muslim faith during this holy month of fasting.

Ramadan Kareem

References

Impact of Ramadan on emergency department visits and on medical emergencies. Reem G Al Assaad, Rana Bachir, Mazen J. El Sayed.  Europena Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2018, 25:440-444.