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More Patients Are Refusing Discharge
The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented bottlenecks in moving patients through the care continuum. But more patients are simply refusing to be discharged from hospital beds. -
The Association Between Cancer Mortality and Physical Activity for Middle-Aged and Older Patients
In a prospective cohort study of 8,002 middle-age and older Black and white adults in the United States, replacing sedentary behavior with physical activity was associated with a lower cancer mortality risk.
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The Effects of Diet, Nutrition, and Weight on Fibromyalgia
A review of evidence for the use of dietary interventions in the treatment of fibromyalgia shows symptom reduction associated with a variety of healthy diets. Weight loss may be key to understanding this connection, but more research is needed.
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Long Waits Raise Risk of Death for Admitted Patients
Boarding of admitted patients in EDs for longer than five hours is linked to a higher risk of death in the following 30 days, a group of researchers found.
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ED Providers Are Frequent Defendants in Aortic Pathology Malpractice Claims
Making the diagnosis is everything — to avoid patient injury and, ultimately, to avoid litigation.
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Does Chart State Why Syncope Patient Was Deemed Low Risk?
Prolonged ECG monitoring in the ED, in an observation unit followed by ambulatory monitoring, can mitigate risks for intermediate- and higher-risk patients.
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Consider Risk Implications if Department Is Staffed with Travel Nurses
Nursing shortages are acute, fueled in part by surging wages for travel ED nurses. Unfortunately, travel nurses will not know the nuances of the EDs in which they are working. This hinders teamwork and communication. Thus, staffing EDs with travel nurses carries some potential risk management implications.
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Detailed Charting on Handoffs Stops Legal Finger-Pointing
The ED chart should include a concise summary of the clinical information that was conveyed, a plan for disposition and next steps in care, and a clear transition of care.
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Many ED Malpractice Claims Are Rooted in Poor Communication
Securing buy-in from hospital administrators to make investments to improve patient safety, including handoff communication in the ED, can be challenging. Compelling anecdotes about cases when things went terribly wrong can grab leaders’ attention. Showing hard numbers demonstrates the financial burden of medical malpractice.
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Cannabis-Related Visits Surge, Especially Among Children and Older Adults
When a patient presents to the ED with a cannabis-associated visit, this is a chance for providers to offer more education to prevent future problems.