Emergency
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EMTALA Misconceptions for ED Patients in Observation Status
Once an ED patient is in observation status, providers might assume their EMTALA obligations are over. This is not the case. Observation is an outpatient status, even if exactly the same care is provided as inpatient status. As such, observation is merely an extension of ED care.
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New National Agency Could Provide More Accountability When Medical Errors Occur
Patient advocates imagine a group like the National Transportation Safety Board, but for healthcare — an entity that provides another layer of accountability when medical errors occur.
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Not If, But When: Preparing a Proper Defense After Medication Mistakes
ED nurses should not hesitate to contact a defense attorney if a patient is harmed by a medication error. The interest of the hospital often is different from the healthcare provider. Do not assume the hospital will provide a defense for taking a shortcut. More likely, administrators will testify protocols were put into place, and place blame on the ED nurse for taking the shortcut.
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Medication Overrides Pose Much Higher Level of Risk
Automated dispensing cabinets allow ED medications to be stored and issued electronically at the point of care, leading to a reduction in time from prescribing to medication administration, which is particularly advantageous in the ED setting.
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Healthcare Leaders Discuss How to Elevate Safety Science
As if dealing with a raging pandemic was not enough punishment, frontline caregivers now worry any mistake could land them in jail. This, after a former nurse at Vanderbilt Medical Center was recently charged and convicted in connection with a medical error that led to the death of a patient.
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Mimics of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
It is important for emergency medicine physicians to have an understanding of the differential diagnosis of ST-segment elevation.
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Waning Pandemic May Mean Less Interest in Advance Care Planning
National Healthcare Decisions Day is a time for Americans to document wishes for end-of-life care.
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COVID-19 Associated with Significant Increase in Hospital-Acquired Bloodstream Infections
The time period of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in hospital-onset bloodstream infections, mainly in patients with COVID-19.
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Ketamine vs. Etomidate for Emergency Intubation
In a single-center, open label study, ketamine for emergency intubation compared to etomidate was associated with lower seven-day mortality, although 28-day mortality was similar.
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Awake Prone Positioning for COVID-19-Related Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
This special feature summarizes the literature associated with awake prone positioning (APP), describes known factors related to successful APP, and highlights current recommendations regarding APP in the setting of COVID-19.