Emergency
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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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Legal Exposure for Hospitals if ED Nurses’ Safety Concerns Are Ignored
In the aftermath of violence in EDs, some nurses alleged long-standing workplace safety concerns went unheeded. In this scenario, there are multiple regulatory and liability concerns.
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Obligations for EDs if Clinicians Suspect Human Trafficking
Multiple efforts are underway to improve the ability of healthcare workers to respond to human trafficking. But there has been insufficient work regarding ED readiness and properly screening for trafficking.
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Obstacles to ED Admission Cause Legal Problems
When faced with this tricky situation, emergency physicians should carefully document discussions and remember they are responsible for clearly communicating about the patient’s condition, test results, and indication for admission.
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Few Malpractice Claims Involve Ultrasound
Point-of-care ultrasound has been proven to improve patient care and outcomes in many ways. But novice users express fear of litigation as a barrier.
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Promote Safety Helmet Use Among Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages precautionary measures to prevent sports-related head injuries.
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Emergency Providers Scramble to Prepare for Treating More Pregnancy-Related Complications
Now that the Supreme Court has shifted abortion lawmaking decisions to the states, matters for frontline providers have become more complicated in multiple ways. In addition to tracking patchwork laws, providers must be prepared to manage pregnancy- or abortion-related complications that might have been better managed at clinics that provide appropriate services.
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EMTALA Implications if ED Patient Needs Medically Necessary Abortion
It is a mistake for ED providers to be solely focused on what their state abortion law says, without also considering the bigger picture in terms of other legal risks and ethical obligations.
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Should EDs Offer Contraceptives, Related Family Planning Education?
With many states implementing or planning to implement stringent new restrictions on access to abortion, some clinicians are urging their colleagues to take strong steps to ensure the contraceptive needs of women are met.
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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.