Improved Emergency Medicine Physician Attitudes Towards Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder Following Naloxone Kit Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 1039-1041
Author(s):  
Giselle Appel ◽  
Joseph J. Avery ◽  
Kaylee Ho ◽  
Zhanna Livshits ◽  
Rama B. Rao ◽  
...  
2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 1008-1012 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Clinkard ◽  
Fran Priestap ◽  
Stacy Ridi ◽  
Eric Bruder ◽  
Ian M. Ball

Purpose: The use of etomidate as an induction agent for critically ill patients is controversial. While its favorable hemodynamic profile is enviable, etomidate has been shown to cause transient adrenal suppression. The clinical consequences of transient adrenal suppression are poorly understood. Anecdotally, some clinicians advocate strongly for etomidate, while others feel it can cause significant harm. To better understand the current clinical environment with respect to single-dose etomidate use in critically ill patients, Canadian anesthesiologists and Canadian emergency medicine (EM) physicians were questioned regarding their opinions, knowledge, and preferences about etomidate use as an induction agent. Methods: Invitations to participate with the electronic survey were sent to 100 Canadian EM physicians and 260 Canadian anesthesiologists. The survey had 4 general parts: demographics, familiarity with the current literature, choice of induction agent given various clinical scenarios, and opinions on the controversy. The Pearson γ2 test was used to detect whether significant differences exist between physician groups. Results: Ninety three anesthesiologists and 42 EM physicians responded for response rates of 36% and 42%. There were no self-reported differences in knowledge about etomidate properties between EM physicians and anesthesiologists. There were significant differences in etomidate use between EM physicians and anesthesiologists in general rapid sequence intubation, noncritically ill patients, and those with undifferentiated hypotension. Both EM physicians and anesthesiologists describe the current etomidate controversy as significant and not adequately resolved. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in self-reported etomidate knowledge between anesthesiologists and EM physicians; however, significant practice pattern differences exist with EM physicians using etomidate more often. Broad agreement supports future research to investigate etomidate’s impact in critically ill patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sima Patel ◽  
Amay Parikh ◽  
Okorie Nduka Okorie

Abstract Background Subarachnoid hemorrhage accounts for more than 30,000 cases of stroke annually in North America and encompasses a 4.4% mortality rate. Since a vast number of subarachnoid hemorrhage cases present in a younger population and can range from benign to severe, an accurate diagnosis is imperative to avoid premature morbidity and mortality. Here, we present a straightforward approach to evaluating, risk stratifying, and managing subarachnoid hemorrhages in the emergency department for the emergency medicine physician. Discussion The diversities of symptom presentation should be considered before proceeding with diagnostic modalities for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected, a computed tomography of the head with the assistance of the Ottawa subarachnoid hemorrhage rule should be utilized as an initial diagnostic measure. If further investigation is needed, a CT angiography of the head or a lumbar puncture can be considered keeping risks and limitations in mind. Initiating timely treatment is essential following diagnosis to help mitigate future complications. Risk tools can be used to assess the complications for which the patient is at greatest. Conclusion Subarachnoid hemorrhages are frequently misdiagnosed; therefore, we believe it is imperative to address the diagnosis and initiation of early management in the emergency medicine department to minimize poor outcomes in the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 522-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reuben J. Strayer ◽  
Kathryn Hawk ◽  
Bryan D. Hayes ◽  
Andrew A. Herring ◽  
Eric Ketcham ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudhir B. Sharma ◽  
Paul Hong

Retropharyngeal abscess most commonly occurs in children. When present in adults the clinical features may not be typical, and associated immunosuppression or local trauma can be part of the presentation. We present a case series of five adult patients who developed foreign body ingestion trauma associated retropharyngeal abscess. The unusual pearls of each case, along with their outcomes, are discussed. Pertinent information for the emergency medicine physician regarding retropharyngeal abscess is presented as well.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Adcock ◽  
Justin Choi ◽  
Ashley Petrone

Background: Telestroke networks have effectively increased the number of ischemic stroke patients who have access to acute stroke therapy. However, the availability of a dedicated group of stroke subspecialists is not always feasible. Hypothesis: Rates of tPA recommendation, accuracy of final diagnosis and post-tPA hemorrhagic complications do not differ significantly between neurologists and an emergency-medicine physician during telestroke consultations. Methods: Retrospective review of all telestroke consults performed at a comprehensive stroke center during one year. Statistical analysis: Chi squared test. Results: 303 consults were performed among 6 spoke sites. 16% (48/303) were completed by the emergency medicine physician; 25% (76/303) were performed by non stroke-trained neurologists, and 60% (179/303) were completed by a board-certified Vascular Neurologist. Overall rate of tPA recommendation was 40% (104/255), 38% (18/48), 41% (73/179), and 41% (31/76) among the all neurology-trained, emergency medicine- trained, stroke neurology-trained and other neurology- trained provider groups respectively (p = .427). Accuracy of final stroke diagnosis was 77% (14/18) and 72% (75/104) in the emergency-medicine trained and neurology-trained provider groups (p = 0.777) No symptomatic hemorrhagic complications following the administration of tPA via telestroke consultation occurred in any group over this time period. One asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was observed (0.96% or 1/104) in the neurology-trained provider group. Conclusion: Our results did not illustrate any statistically significant difference between care provided by an Emergency Medicine-trained physician and neurologists during telestroke consultation. While our study is limited by its relatively low numbers, it suggests that identifying a non-neurologist provider who has requisite clinical experience with acute stroke patients can safely and appropriately provide telestroke consultation. The lack of formerly trained neurologists, therefore may not need to serve as an impediment to building an effective telestroke network. Future efforts should be focused on illuminating all strategies that facilitate sustainable telestroke implementation.


1993 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric A. Davis ◽  
Anthony J. Billitier

AbstractObjective:The concept of the necessity of a good quality assurance (QA) plan for emergency medical services (EMS) is well-accepted; guidelines as how best to achieve this and how current systems operate have not been defined. The purpose of this study was to survey EMS systems to discover current methods used to perform medical control and QA and to examine whether the existence of an emergency medicine residency affected these components.Methods:A survey was mailed in 1989 to the major teaching hospitals associated with all of the emergency medicine residency programs (n = 79) and all other hospitals with greater than 350 beds within the 50 largest United States metropolitan areas (n = 172). If no response was received, a second request was sent in 1990. The survey consisted of questions concerning four general EMS-QA categories: 1) general information; 2) prospective; 3) immediate; and 4) retrospective medical control.Results:Completed surveys were received from 78.5% of residency and 50% of non-residency programs. The majority had an emergency medicine physician as medical director (80.1% vs 61.5%, p = .03). While both residency and non-residency hospitals participated in initial public and prehospital personnel education, academic programs were more likely to be involved in continuing medical education (98.2% vs 82.3%, p = .009). On-line (direct) supervision was more likely to be provided by residency institutions (96.4% vs 81.0%, p = .017) which was provided by a physician in 88.3%. Trip sheet review was utilized by 62.0% of non-residency and 75.5% of residency programs responding, and utilized the paramedic coordinator (44.5% vs 46.1%) or medical director (35.7% vs 34.5 %) primarily.Conclusion:This survey characterizes some of the current methods utilized nationwide in EMS-QA programs. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these various methods, and to develop a model program.


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