Emergency Medicine Topics
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Patients with Substance Use Disorders at Much Higher Risk for COVID-19, Worse Outcomes
The results of a recent study suggest patients with a substance use disorder, especially an opioid use disorder, are at a much higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
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Accreditation Program Elevates Pain and Addiction Care in the ED
A new accreditation program offers best practices in pain and addiction care for EDs across the country. The goal of the program is to enhance bread-and-butter practice through evidence, support from an accrediting body, and a clear understanding that emergency providers who adhere to best practice have the backing of their own departments and institutions.
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COVID-19 Prevention May Equal Flu Prevention
Masking, physical distancing, and other measures implemented to slow the pandemic appear to be dramatically reducing influenza outbreaks.
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Vomiting and Diarrhea in Immunocompromised Patients
Patients who are immunosuppressed may exhibit subtle or atypical presentations of gastrointestinal infection, as well as complications of their underlying disease processes or treatments. Emergency physicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for life-threatening pathology and evaluate these patients using broad differentials.
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Premises Liability or Malpractice Claims — Either Way, ED Falls Pose Risks
A nurse-managed, individually tailored falls prevention plan administered for at least 20 months did not significantly reduce risk of serious fall injuries in older adults at high risk for falls, according to the results a recent study.
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‘Hybrid’ Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Are ‘End-Run’ Around Damage Caps
These cases allege both professional negligence and medical battery. Insiders explain why that may be problematic.
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Lawsuits Allege Abnormal Findings Were Missed After ED Patient was Admitted
Education on structured handoffs and closed loop communication is paying dividends. Still, malpractice claims are occurring with admitted patients. The fact patterns all are similar: Tests are ordered while the patient remains in the ED. Results come back after the patient is upstairs — and no one ever follows up.
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For EDs, Simulation Is Not Just for Training, It Is a Risk Management Tool
Some procedures are high-risk, but low-volume. Simulation is a way for ED providers to practice these uncommon procedures.
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Telehealth Booming in EDs, but Poses Some Unique Liability Risks
EDs are using telehealth for screening visits before arrival or for follow-up re-evaluations on COVID-19-positive patients. It is important to know what can be excluded safely in a telemedicine consult, and what requires urgent and/or emergent in-person follow-up.
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Many Charts Lack Any Evidence of Thorough H&P
Often, a portion of the history, assessment, or evaluation was handled, but for whatever reason does not make it into the emergency medicine record. This makes it appear as though a poor or incomplete assessment was conducted. Double check these items to see they are included.