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Patient Safety Report on Diagnostic Errors Is Relevant for EDs
A recent report offers specific guidance on preventing diagnostic errors, with some practices aimed at the ED.
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Device Could Detect When Patient’s Condition Is Deteriorating
Researchers developed the Analytic for Hemodynamic Instability, an artificial intelligence-driven device that can provide continuous monitoring. This way, clinicians can pick up signs of patient deterioration promptly and deploy appropriate resources early.
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Medical, Law Enforcement Teams Share Expertise, Support During Dangerous Situations
One way to accelerate care to victims of mass casualty events is to direct physicians who are accustomed to working with law enforcement to respond to the scene so they can provide high-level care to victims immediately. That is part of the emerging specialty called tactical medicine.
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Healthcare Leaders Identify Steps to Maximize Response to Mass Shooting Events
As mass shooting events continue, healthcare leaders are focused on how the medical response is effective and expeditious. Frontline providers who have experienced such events have first-hand knowledge about where the weak links are and can offer unique insight on how organizations can work within their regions to be better prepared.
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Health Systems Start Transition to New Approach for Treating Ischemic Stroke
Alteplase has been a mainstay to treat ischemic stroke. When given within hours of an episode, evidence has shown the clot-busting medication can improve outcomes. But what if there was a drug that could deliver similar, and possibly even better, outcomes for a subset of stroke patients without some of the logistical hurdles associated with alteplase?
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EDs Need Process for Incidental Radiology Findings
To lower the risks of “failure to notify” claims, institute clear protocols on who is responsible for dealing with abnormal test results. Educate patients on how to find out about their test results; this includes obtaining updated contact information. Finally, use electronic alerts to notify patients and providers when tests results are ready.
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Med/Mal Concerns if ‘Float’ Nurses Cover the Department
Of 2,575 nurses from 50 states and Washington, DC, 26.5% reported they were “floated” or reassigned to a clinical care area that required new skills or that was outside their competency, according to a survey. Almost half reported receiving no education or preparation before they were assigned to the new unit.
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Work on Improving the Care of Children with Medical Complexity
Emergency physicians identified significant challenges in providing high-quality emergency care to these patients. These include time constraints, the need to adequately review the expansive medical record for key information, and the need to contact known physicians when making treatment and disposition decisions. Respondents indicated communication with known providers and use of emergency information forms summarizing the child’s medical history were helpful.
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Legal Risks if Psychiatric History Clouds Medical Decision-Making
Patients with these life-threatening medical conditions may report mood swings, personality changes, irritability or aggression, depressed mood, anxiety, or trouble concentrating. If appropriate history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing are not completed, medical emergencies can be missed. This is particularly common if physical exam findings are subtle.
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The Joint Commission Puts Providers on Notice Regarding Diagnostic Overshadowing
When patients present with existing diagnoses or disabilities, clinicians might attribute any symptoms to the existing condition. This is called diagnostic overshadowing, a type of cognitive bias that can cause unnecessary suffering, unsafe care, and adverse events related to missed or delayed diagnoses. Unfortunately, the problem occurs more often among groups already experiencing healthcare disparities.