Emergency Department Management & Law
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New Checklist Offers Roadmap for Improved Diagnostic Performance
Researchers created 10 high-priority practices they maintain are key to promoting diagnostic excellence.
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Call Patients to Reinforce Discharge Instructions, Stress Need for Follow-Up Care
Follow-up calls to patients after they have been discharged may be far down on the priority list for busy EDs. However new data suggest such calls can ensure patients understand their discharge instructions and prevent repeat visits.
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Remain Vigilant for Signs of Monkeypox
Emergency clinicians should include the possibility of monkeypox in any patient presenting with early symptoms suggestive of the illness and certainly for those with a new rash and epidemiological risk factors.
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The Case for a Team Approach to Manage Agitated Patients
While many EDs have instituted mechanisms to quickly trigger security staff, a Connecticut hospital created a unique team-based protocol that includes security and clinicians. Everyone works together to protect staff and prevent the need for restraints, sedatives, or other potentially harmful interventions. After three years, staff report they feel safer, and new data show the approach is associated with a lower rate of physical restraint use.
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Prosecution for Excessive Painkillers Tough Case to Make
A recent case may have generated a fresh conversation about medical aid in dying and physician-assisted suicide.
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EPs Motivated to Learn What Happened to Patients
Emergency physicians must follow up with patients on any test results pending that were ordered in the ED, especially if said test reveals something troubling, like a lung nodule via X-ray.
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Legalities if Law Enforcement Responds to ED Violence
The presence of law enforcement can agitate some patients, or cause others to withhold information over fears the information will be disclosed to police. It creates a situation where state or federal privacy laws can be violated. Emergency clinicians should consult hospital security, risk management, legal counsel, or leadership for guidance on policies and applicable laws.
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Recurring Fact Patterns in Triage-Related Med/Mal Claims
Some malpractice lawsuits stem from what happens when the patient arrived at the ED — the triage nurse misses an emergency medical condition. If the triage process failed to identify a high-acuity patient requiring expedited care, then a plaintiff could allege the triage nurse breached the standard of care.
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Properly Used Decision Aids Can Help Defend Malpractice Claims
Researchers recently concluded there is a high risk of EDs overlooking serious coronary artery disease in women. Using validated diagnostic tools can help alleviate this.
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Simulated Deposition Teaches Emergency Clinicians About Malpractice Claims
ED providers often worry about lawsuits, yet many lack basic knowledge of malpractice litigation. A simulation tool that teaches curricular objectives and reinforces medical knowledge on resuscitation, communication, procedural skills, and other topics could help fills the gaps.