Early Trial Results Suggest Many Acute Appendicitis Patients Could Safely Delay or Avoid Surgery

In a study, 70% of patients with appendicitis who were treated with antibiotics avoided surgery at 90 days. This creates possibilities for patients and providers for a common diagnosis in the ED.

Room for Improvement in Frontline Care of Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) can be frightening and debilitating. It is not uncommon for patients suffering from PNES to present to the ED for help. However, arriving at an accurate diagnosis in these cases can be tricky. Many patients with PNES are misdiagnosed, leading to frustration, morbidity, and (in many cases) harm related to inappropriate treatment.

Try Using Telehealth to Diagnose and Manage Patients with Dizziness

Because of COVID-19, many patients with dizziness may be seeking care virtually. It has become increasingly important for practitioners to be able to recognize whether there is a serious underlying cause via two-way video hookup.

Data: Cardiovascular Disease, Other Problems Go Unchecked During COVID-19 Pandemic

The use of telemedicine surged from almost nothing to 35% between April and June 2020, but the number of in-person primary care consultations dropped by more than 21% when compared with the volume of such encounters during the second quarter from previous years.

Investigators Raise Alarm About Prevalence, Impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress in Emergency Nursing

If left unaddressed, secondary traumatic stress can negatively affect mood, relationships, job satisfaction, and patient care.

Tool Helps Emergency Providers Better Stratify COVID-19 Patients

The tool is particularly effective at illuminating which patients are at both ends of the severity spectrum, which can be helpful to emergency clinicians as they make their disposition decisions. Still, it is up to clinicians to consider the information provided, and then use their clinical judgment.

Medical Groups Pool Resources to Promote Behavioral, Mental Health

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, the need for better mental and behavioral healthcare might only intensify.

Advocates Unveil Plan to Accelerate Patient and Workplace Safety Improvements

The plan is built on four foundational areas developers contend all must be addressed to advance safety: leadership and culture, patient and family engagement, workforce safety, and the learning system.

December 1, 2020