Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
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Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome
The workup of suspected acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department is an ever-evolving process, and staying up-to-date can be difficult. This review aims to empower providers to maximize diagnostic precision in a patient-centered and resource-conscious way.
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Many ED Charts Lack Explanation of EP’s Thought Process
Many ED malpractice claims would be defensible except for one problem: There is nothing in the chart to explain what the EP was thinking at the time of the ED visit.
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Liability for Hospitals if Security Removes Disruptive Person from Waiting Room
The safest approach is to presume that anyone in the ED waiting area is presenting for evaluation and medical care, unless they indicate otherwise.
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Texts Can Hurt Defendant EP, Even if Messages Were Sent Off Shift
If a bad outcome happens during a shift, a plaintiff attorney can obtain phone records. This attorney may accuse a healthcare worker of talking on the phone to his or her lawyer instead of seeing patients.
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ED’s Claim of Unusually Large Patient Volume Could Backfire on Defense
Defense claims that unusually high volumes led to delayed care can result in expanded discovery, including census reports. If admissible, the plaintiff can use staffing data to demonstrate a pervasive pattern of understaffing, among other possibly damaging accusations.
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Analysis Reveals Slight Decrease in Frequency of ED Claims
ED malpractice claims decreased slightly in frequency over a 10-year period, comprising 8% of total claims, according to the authors of a recent analysis. What follows is a closer look at issues that arise often in these claims.
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EP Failed to Obtain Consult? ED Malpractice Claims Can Include This Allegation
It turns out that a significant number of ED claims involve this scenario — about one in five, according to an analysis of closed malpractice claims. These are some relevant case examples.
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Uncommon Diagnoses That Cannot Be Missed
Pediatric patients present to the emergency department (ED) with a variety of issues ranging from benign upper respiratory infections to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Many emergent conditions may mimic the common and nonthreatening ailments of normal childhood. Emergency physicians must be able to recognize and treat uncommon but emergent illnesses quickly and accurately. In addition, providers must be aware of those illnesses that look serious but warrant only supportive care. This article will focus on the assessment, evaluation, differential, and treatment of uncommon but can’t-miss diagnoses that clinicians should consider in the emergency setting.
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Sports-Related Concussion
Concussion is now known to be a significant public health issue, with high rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Much of the current concern surrounding concussions revolves around recognition, early diagnosis, treatment modalities, return-to-play, and prevention of recurrent concussions.
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The Capacity Conundrum in Emergency Medicine
A patient’s capacity to give informed consent or to leave the emergency department against medical advice is a topic of great relevance to emergency clinicians. This article discusses the difference between competence and capacity and highlights the four essential elements involved in the assessment of a patient’s capacity.