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95% of Calls on ED Malpractice Lawsuits Are Rejected
Often, patients express anger over service experienced, but the perceived slight does not equate to malpractice. -
Potential Plaintiffs in ED Malpractice Claims Face Long Odds
During the initial phone call or meeting, complainants often provide a compelling narrative, but it falls apart after an independent expert reviews the ED chart. False or misleading statements about what happened in the ED undermine the patient’s credibility. Also, the cost of filing a malpractice lawsuit, and the low odds of prevailing, mean long odds for patients looking to become plaintiffs. -
Data Reveal Pediatric EPs’ Biases, Both Implicit and Explicit
Recent findings suggest ED providers probably do not treat all patients equally. Researchers want to use these data to determine just how much hidden biases might affect care. Meanwhile, they suggest providers self-screen to improve awareness. -
ED Nurses Feel Unprepared for Mental Health Complaints
Engaging with the patient can help ED nurses avoid these risky situations. Nurses can notice subtle signs of escalation, treat with medications when appropriate, offer food, perform regular assessments, and facilitate hygiene. It also is important for ED nurses to demonstrate they did everything in their power to transfer the patient to a higher level of care, if that is what the patient needs. -
Test Ordering Mistakes Are Issue in Most Diagnosis-Related ED Malpractice Claims
Team training — on communication skills, monitoring patients, and sharing information while the patient still is in the ED — can ensure the correct tests are ordered and acted on. -
Certain Recovery Activities Can Protect First Responders’ Well-Being
Considering the effects of stress on well-being, first responders are at higher risk of suffering from emotional fallout from their work. The good news is there are some straightforward solutions that could mitigate the harmful effects of stress and reduce their risk of developing depression, PTSD, or other mental health problems. -
Watch Closely for Surge in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome Cases
The list of long-term health problems affecting patients after recovering from COVID-19 continues growing. One of these lesser-known conditions is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Although treatments for POTS exist, the condition often is missed or misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary suffering and anxiety for patients. However, given the condition’s recent visibility, frontline providers could gain a new understanding of POTS while also providing patients with a fast, accurate explanation for their symptoms. -
Drugs of Abuse in Trauma Patients Part II: Central Nervous System Depressants
Drugs of abuse are commonly encountered in the trauma setting. Patient care may be affected by acute intoxication and chronic use of these substances. Central nervous system depressants can result in coma and respiratory depression in severe toxicity. The authors discuss common presentations, potential complications, and management of central nervous system depressants in the context of a trauma patient. -
Social Work and Social Determinants of Health Interventions
Case managers assess and consider social determinants of health from the moment a patient enters the hospital. That consideration continues throughout the stay and discharge process. When these go unnoticed or unaddressed, the quality of care declines.
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Improving Case Manager Workforce Development
Case managers need to be solidly acquainted with the financial aspects and sustainability of health systems. This comes with a steep learning curve due to state and federal rules and regulations that encompass healthcare. New case managers would be better served if they had a clearer picture of what would be expected of them before stepping into the role.