Emergency Medicine General
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Updated Abdominal Pain Guidelines Close Knowledge Gap
Without clear guidelines, patients could undergo unnecessary testing (or not receive tests they need), which could lead to misdiagnoses — or worse.
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Admissibility of ED Recordings Depends on Multiple Factors
Even if the patient recorded the entire discharge instructions, relevant discussions might have happened throughout the visit. The defense can challenge the admissibility based on that argument, but the ruling could go either way.
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Emergency Providers Uneasy About Recording Visits
Clinicians might need more information, such as specifics on who would record the discharge instructions, whether it would be recorded on the patient’s personal smartphone, and what safeguards could be required to ensure patient privacy. Combined with possible involvement of the hospital’s legal department, this might make providers more comfortable with the idea.
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Many Charge Nurses Receive Little, if Any, Training
Charge nurses are responsible for patient flow, moving them from the waiting room to appropriate disposition. To be effective, these nurses must understand the clinical conditions of the patients in the waiting room. This informs good decision-making on which patients to bring in, in collaboration with the triage nurse, and which nurses to assign those patients.
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Misconceptions About Homelessness Put Patients, EDs at Risk
Engage these patients in care plans the same as anyone else. Ensure the patient understands the treatment plan, and can carry it out if discharged.
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Legally Protective Charting Sticks to the Facts
Charts containing emotional statements, accusations, and speculations might be compelling reading, but they are legally problematic.
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Documentation Mistakes Lead to Significant Malpractice Awards
Ensure charts are generated honestly, and check to make sure key care decisions are carefully documented regarding consent.
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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.