ED Management – October 1, 2021
October 1, 2021
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Emergency Providers Urged to Recognize, Treat Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Opioid misuse might not be the only addiction-related problem that has worsened over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis highly suspect a 34% increase in alcohol sales in recent months means there has been a rise in the number of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), too. But will these patients receive treatment for their AUD? If current trends hold true, not nearly enough.
Logistical, Economic Barriers Hinder Updated Treatment Options for Common Infection
The treatment options are evolving, but stubborn road blocks remain.
Equipping Clinicians with Appropriate Training on Firearms-Related Injuries
Several healthcare organizations believe it is time for healthcare professionals to do what they can on the prevention front to identify patients at risk, leverage those encounters to promote safety, and address access to firearms when that is a concern. Admitting there are knowledge gaps when it comes to firearms-related counseling, there are new efforts to shore up medical education in this area.
Liability Exposure for Vendor ‘Extremely Difficult’ if AI Tool Used in ED
Multiple recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of artificial intelligence tools in the ED, particularly for radiology and clinical decision-making. However, numerous issues need to be considered.
Neurologic, Cardiovascular Conditions Most Common Diagnostic Errors in ED Claims
In an analysis of 326 closed claims from 2014-2019, researchers found 31% involved either the neurologic or vascular systems. Most diagnostic errors involved one of three issues: Ordering of diagnostic tests (53%), consult management (33%), or ongoing assessment (32%).
Risk Factors for Physical Restraint in ED
Researchers analyzed 726,417 adult visits to three hospital EDs in the Yale-New Haven Health System that occurred from 2013-2018. A total of 7,090 patients were physically restrained. Of this group, 64.8% were male, 28.8% were Black or African American, 71% presented with either Medicare or Medicaid, and 2.3% were homeless. Visits that were higher-acuity, visits later in the day, and visits with behavioral chief concerns also were more likely to include physical restraint.
Opioid Prescription in ED Can Set Patient on Dangerous Path
EPs might write an opioid prescription just to tide patients over before outpatient follow-up is possible. Yet even that single prescription puts patients at risk for a future opioid overdose, according to a recent analysis.
Poor Pediatric Readiness Is Big Risk Management Worry
ED readiness is based on national guidelines for ED pediatric care. Facilities should follow these guidelines closely.
Initiative Focuses on Patient Harm Caused by Diagnostic Errors
The initiative will establish a benchmarking system, which will allow EDs to find out how they compare to other facilities.