Emergency Department Management & Law
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Study Shows Effect of Pediatric Readiness on Racial, Ethnic Disparities Regarding Mortality
Researchers estimated that if the three quartiles of hospitals that are least pediatric ready raised their readiness levels, there would be a threefold reduction in the mortality disparity of medically ill patients.
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Emergency Care Providers Help Identify Candidates for Hospital-at-Home Program
Project planners intend to care for hundreds of patients per year in the hospital-at-home program, thereby offloading some of that capacity from inpatient hospitals.
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Telestroke Facilitates Care for Rural Stroke Patients
In the year before the telestroke program was implemented, 11 of 15 eligible patients received thrombolytics in less than one hour, and there was a mean door-to-needle time of 61 minutes. After the telestroke program was implemented, 11 of 12 eligible patients received thrombolytics in less than one hour, with a mean door-to-needle time of just 38 minutes.
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Racial, Ethnic Disparities in Restraint Use
Use restraints only when absolutely necessary, and in accordance with established protocols and regulations. Undergo training on appropriate restraint techniques. Ensure regular monitoring of restrained patients. Continuously reassess the need for restraints. Clearly document the rationale for restraint use.
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Calling ED Boarding a Public Health Crisis, ACEP Pushes Policymakers to Act
Although there are many possible solutions, both legislative and administrative, the industry continues searching for the right formula to solve the problem.
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Many Patients Avoid Going to EDs Because of Fear of Boarding, Delays
Emergency physicians should convey to patients that they will receive care, regardless of the boarding crisis. Stick to the foundation of emergency medical care: stabilize, ensure patients are not experiencing a life-threatening emergency, and manage their urgent conditions.
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EMTALA Concerns if Patients Ask About Delays
Are discouraging comments an EMTALA violation? Investigators would examine factors such as what exactly was stated, under what circumstances the comment was made, whether the information was truthful and accurate, and whether it discouraged the patient from staying in the ED and receiving care.
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Computer-Interpreted ECGs Sometimes Miss Acute Coronary Occlusion
Emergency physicians can shield against risk by viewing ECGs of chest pain patients immediately to identify subtle signs of acute coronary occlusion.
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Poll: Many Americans Delay Emergency Care Over Boarding Concerns
A survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians reveals nearly half of U.S. adults worry they will have to wait many hours before admission or transfer.
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Was Child Brought to ED by EMS? Medication Dosages May Be Incorrect
ED personnel should ensure a good handoff report is received from EMS providers, and that the dose of any medications administered by EMS is recorded. ED personnel should be mindful in carrying out weight-based dosing calculations, and should follow recommendations of national guidelines.