Definition of Population Segmentation
The outbreak continues to reveal diverse results, including the population segment affected. According to the CDC, the ages of patients affected span from 17 to 75 years, with a median of 49 years. Of the 1604 cases reported, the CDC has data on age and sex of 1358 patients. Among the 1358 patients, approximately 70% are male (CDC, 2019). They are aged from 23 to 75 years. A majority, 79 %, are aged below 35 years. The CDC has categorized them by age. The findings reveal that 15 perfect are aged below 18 years, 21% aged from 18 to 20 years, 18% are between 21 and 24 years, 25% are aged from 25 to 34 years, and 21 percent from 35 years and older (CDC, 2019). Of the reported cases, 849 patients have information on the use of e-cigarettes. 78% of the 849 used products that have THC. An approximate 31% use THC products exclusively. Others, nearly 58%, are reported to use nicotine-containing products. 10 % reported exclusive use of products that contain nicotine.
Identification of those at risk within the identified population
E-cigarettes are on the rise in the US and are responsible for the outbreak of lung injuries among patients. As of October 22, 2019, the CDC announced a high critical number of 1, 604 cases of e-cigarettes, or vaping, product use associated with lung injuries (EVALI). EVALI patients have a history of using products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The CDC cautions against the use of e-cigarettes or vaping (CDC, 2019). The CDC warns against the use of e-cigarettes and vaping that have modified or added substances that manufacturers did not intend.
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The specific compound that causes AVALI is unknown, and the study by the CDC and FDA on this is ingoing. The public, therefore, should refrain from all e-cigarettes or vaping products. The CDC and FDA recommend that individuals should refrain from using all tobacco products. The CDC cautions adults currently not using tobacco products to avoid using e-cigarettes or vaping products. Notably, tobacco products are unsafe and set them at risk. THC is renowned for its critical negative health implications. The CDC recommends that the most feasible strategy is to avoid the use of THC (CDC, 2019). Besides, it is recommended that individuals who have marijuana disorder get treatment and care from a qualified care provider.
Delivery of care options
In response to the outbreak, it is essential to set critical measures. The measures and options include research to aid in the identification of the risk factors. Research should further include the identification of the source of the lung disease caused by vaping. Detection of new cases and the tracking of probable causes is a critical aspect.
Metrics to measure the population at risk
The population at risk of EVALI will be measured based on three metrics. The first metric will be based on whether the population uses THC. The second matric is the patient’s use of nicotine-containing products. The third metric is the age of the patient.
How to stratify by levels of risk
Patients who use THC is at a high risk of EVALI. Populations that do not use THC are at low risk of EVALI. The use of THC will be stratified based on the frequency with which the patient uses THC. Patients who use nicotine-containing products are at high risk of EVALI. The use of nicotine-containing products will be stratified based on the frequency of use by the patient. The use of age will be based on the CDC findings that 79% are aged below 35 years. The age group will be the dominant consideration in the stratification of patients.
Types of interventions to use
Interventions include coordination with other state and federal agencies to investigate the cause of EVALI. Investigations and lab tests will involve different brands and e-cigarettes to ascertain the cause of the condition, which is still unknown.
Methods of implementing the interventions
The implementation method will involve collaboration with diverse healthcare institutions, the CDC, FDA, and other agencies that have the capacity and personnel to investigate the condition.
Who to implement the interventions
The CDC and FDA staff, in collaboration with professionals, will be critical to the implementation of the interventions. Professionals in lung diseases will be resourceful in the implementation of the interventions.
Outcomes to expect and their measurements
The expected outcome is to reveal the cause of EVALI. It is further intended that the interventions will result in a revelation of the treatment measures and interventions that are required to address EVALI. Another key outcome is to reveal the association between EVALI and THC and nicotine-containing products’ use. Another intended outcome is to ascertain the relationship between age and prevalence of EVALI. The interventions will further reveal the states or regions where EVALI is most prevalent.
| Patient Segmentation | Patient Stratification | ||
| Description | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Patients using THC |
High risk level (Patients who Frequently use THC) |
Moderate risk level (Patients who are users of THC but not frequent) |
Low risk level (Patients who do not use THC) |
| Patients using nicotine-containing products |
High risk level (Patients who frequently use nicotine-containing products) |
Moderate risk levels (Patients who are users of nicotine-containing products but not frequent). |
Low risk level (Patients who do not use nicotine-containing products). |
| Patients age |
High risk level (Patients below 35 years) |
Moderate risk level (Patients are aged between 35 and 75) |
Low risk levels (Patient is aged above 75 years). |
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (October 24, 2019). Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products . Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
