Emergency
RSSArticles
-
In-hospital vs. Telephone Availability of an Intensivist at Night
When overnight shifts were staffed by nighttime intensivists rather than residents with attending intensivists on call remotely, most nurses perceived improvements in clinical care, procedures, efficiency, communication, and job place comfort.
-
Is There Still a Role for High-frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in ARDS?
In this patient-level meta-analysis of four well-known randomized, controlled trials of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the authors found that HFOV increases mortality for most patients with ARDS but may improve survival among patients specifically with severe ARDS.
-
Hyponatremia in the Critically Ill
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalized patients (30-40%) and is present in 17.7% of patients admitted to the ICU. A recent registry demonstrated significant practice variation regarding this common disorder, underlining the frequent diagnostic and therapeutic challenges clinicians face in this area.
-
Hypersensitivity Reactions in the Pediatric ED: The Tip of the Iceberg
Hypersensitivity reactions are very common. Understanding the different types, including serum sickness-like reactions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermolytic necrolysis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, is valuable both for an accurate and timely diagnosis as well as appropriate management.
-
Liability Protections for EMTALA Care Elusive for EPs
Although several states have enacted liability reform legislation for ED care, efforts at the federal level have been less successful. Here is a summary of legislation under consideration in Congress.
-
Visit Volume Linked to Being Named in Claim
One in 11 EPs was named in malpractice claims during a 4.5 year period, according to a recent study. Total number of years in practice and visit volume were the only factors associated with being named as a defendant.
-
When Psychiatric Patient Comes to ED, Consider Entire Hospital’s Capabilities
An attorney who worked on the case provides detailed information about a recent record-breaking EMTALA settlement.
-
Inspector General Sets Sights on ED Psychiatric Boarding Practices
Psychiatric patients are held routinely in EDs for hours, days, or even weeks due to lack of available facilities. Few would argue it’s a high-risk situation for the patient, EPs, and the hospital; yet, the dangerous practice continues.
-
Non-prudent Limits on Patient Visits: Overcoming Barriers to Provide Necessary Care
Since EMTALA requires medical professionals to provide care to their patients, big insurance companies see no reason to provide payment for care they do not feel like covering. While some argue that on the surface this is their right to pay only for necessary services, the decision to retrospectively deny coverage is a fundamental assault on the rights of patients to seek emergency care and providers to bill for legitimate services rendered. Using the “retrospectoscope” to lecture patients and providers about care for serious health threats is a disservice to all medical professionals. It is unconscionable, immoral, illegal, and potentially unconstitutional.
-
The Pediatric Airway and Rapid Sequence Intubation in Trauma
This article will discuss in detail the approach to the pediatric trauma patient, with a strict focus on the pediatric airway.