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When Aortic Stenosis Is Almost Severe: What Happens Next?
A study of patients with normal flow, low gradients, normal left ventricular systolic function but with calculated aortic valve areas <1.0 cm2 showed that about half of them progressed to severe aortic stenosis during the 25-month median follow-up period.
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Perioperative Atrial Fibrillation: Is It Important?
A large epidemiologic study with validated endpoints of patients with atrial fibrillation after non-cardiac surgery demonstrated such patients experience a higher incidence of subsequent atrial fibrillation, stroke, transient ischemic attacks, and all-cause mortality over five years of follow up.
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Management of Cardiac Arrest Patients Without STEMI
Since there were no significant differences in outcomes at 90 days or one year, coronary interventions in successfully resuscitated cardiac arrest patients without evidence of STEMI or cardiogenic shock can be delayed until neurologic recovery is evident.
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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.
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Essential ED Documentation Often Missing from Chart
Certain pieces of information, if omitted from the ED medical record, instantly raise concerns about the quality of the care provided. These missing items in particular complicate malpractice defense.