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Agency notes rising number of related emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts between early 2019 and early 2021.
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Controversy emerges over recent change from “physician assistant” to “physician associate.”
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Sore throats are common! Being able to differentiate low-acuity self-limited infections from those processes that may result in sepsis or life-threatening airway compromise is critical. The author, in this two-part article, reviews the range of pathologies that may present with a sore throat.
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Management of tracheostomy emergencies requires the use of specialized knowledge, resources, and equipment. Specific complications that the emergency physician should be familiar with are discussed.
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Substance abuse is a major healthcare issue with effects on all aspects of patient care, including trauma. A large percentage of trauma patients have a positive drug screen, and acute and chronic abuse have impacts both on the acute and long-term management of these patients. This report is the first of a two-part series and focuses on stimulants and substances with sympathomimetic properties, with particular attention to the impact on the trauma patient.
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Emergency physicians who find themselves defendants do have resources — at their hospitals, from their professional liability carriers, from mental health professionals, and from specialty organizations.
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During litigation, two important questions will arise: How did the hospital keep the patient safe? Was the hospital not doing reasonable things that other hospitals were doing?
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If a stroke patient alleges failure to administer tissue plasminogen activator, whether a timely neurology consult was obtained likely will be a central issue in the litigation. Here are some issues that can arise during litigation.
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In a recent study, researchers noted the median length of stay for all admitted patients increased 12.4 minutes in one ED and 14 minutes in another ED for every boarded patient. In addition to boarding, investigators studied other variables, such as quality improvement efforts and hospital capacity. Teams should understand their role in the larger process. All should be working toward the same goal, held accountable by leaders throughout the organization.
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If an emergency physician waits until a lawsuit has been filed, the plaintiff will have performed at least an initial investigation. Likely, experts will have reviewed the records and analyzed the care provided. This can put the provider at a distinct disadvantage. There can be great value in speaking with an attorney early in the process.