Alcohol research in the emergency department setting: methodological challenges and real-world implications

2004 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail D'Onofrio
Author(s):  
MT Congedo ◽  
GM Ferretti ◽  
D Nachira ◽  
MA Pennisi

Background: In symptomatic patients, admitted in emergency department for acute chest pain and dyspnea, who require an urgent treatment, a rapid diagnosis and prompt management of massive pleural effusion or hemothorax can be lifesaving. The aim of this review was to summarize the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the management of the main types of pleural effusions that physicians can have in an emergency department setting. Methods: Current literature about the topic was reviewed and critically reported, adding the experience of the authors in the management of pleural effusions in emergency settings. Results: The paper analyzed the main types of pleural effusions that physicians can have to treat. It illustrated the diagnostic steps by the principal radiological instruments, with a particular emphasis to the role of ultrasonography, in facilitating diagnosis and guiding invasive procedures. Then, the principal procedures, like thoracentesis and insertion of small and large bore chest drains, are indicated and illustrated according to the characteristics and the amount of the effusion and patient clinical conditions. Conclusion: The emergency physician must have a systematic approach that allows rapid recognition, clinical cause identification and definitive management of potential urgent pleural effusions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay Pendyal ◽  
Craig Rothenberg ◽  
Jean E. Scofi ◽  
Harlan M. Krumholz ◽  
Basmah Safdar ◽  
...  

Background Despite investments to improve quality of emergency care for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), few studies have described national, real‐world trends in AMI care in the emergency department (ED). We aimed to describe trends in the epidemiology and quality of AMI care in US EDs over a recent 11‐year period, from 2005 to 2015. Methods and Results We conducted an observational study of ED visits for AMI using the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, a nationally representative probability sample of US EDs. AMI visits were classified as ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐STEMI. Outcomes included annual incidence of AMI, median ED length of stay, ED disposition type, and ED administration of evidence‐based medications. Annual ED visits for AMI decreased from 1 493 145 in 2005 to 581 924 in 2015. Estimated yearly incidence of ED visits for STEMI decreased from 1 402 768 to 315 813. The proportion of STEMI sent for immediate, same‐hospital catheterization increased from 12% to 37%. Among patients with STEMI sent directly for catheterization, median ED length of stay decreased from 62 to 37 minutes. ED administration of antithrombotic and nonaspirin antiplatelet agents rose for STEMI (23%–31% and 10%–27%, respectively). Conclusions National, real‐world trends in the epidemiology of AMI in the ED parallel those of clinical registries, with decreases in AMI incidence and STEMI proportion. ED care processes for STEMI mirror evolving guidelines that favor high‐intensity antiplatelet therapy, early invasive strategies, and regionalization of care.


2021 ◽  
pp. 875647932110332
Author(s):  
Patrick J. Fish

Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) present differently depending on the type of material (wood, glass, metal) for the IOFB, extent of the injury, and location of the injury. IOFB and the injury can cause a perforation or penetration of the globe which can require more extensive treatment including surgery. Proper evaluation of the IOFB and injury can help to determine extent of the injury, the prognosis of the vision, and health of the eye before and after treatment but may be difficult for the physician depending on the view of the posterior chamber being compromised by media or simply by patient sensitivity. The extent of the injury may also prevent proper evaluation due to swelling, lacerations on the lids, or pain. Proper ophthalmic sonography can provide a quick evaluation of the globe for any IOFB in both the outpatient setting as well as emergency department setting. Evaluation via sonography may allow the physician to accurately diagnose and properly treat the patient to help restore and prevent further loss of vision.


CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 532-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas B. Chartier ◽  
Antonia S. Stang ◽  
Samuel Vaillancourt ◽  
Amy H. Y. Cheng

ABSTRACTThe topics of quality improvement (QI) and patient safety have become important themes in health care in recent years, particularly in the emergency department setting, which is a frequent point of contact with the health care system for patients. In the first of three articles in this series meant as a QI primer for emergency medicine clinicians, we introduced the strategic planning required to develop an effective QI project using a fictional case study as an example. In this second article we continue with our example of improving time to antibiotics for patients with sepsis, and introduce the Model for Improvement. We will review what makes a good aim statement, the various categories of measures that can be tracked during a QI project, and the relative merits and challenges of potential change concepts and ideas. We will also present the Model for Improvement’s rapid-cycle change methodology, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. The final article in this series will focus on the evaluation and sustainability of QI projects.


2007 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-152.e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin H. Han ◽  
Christopher J. Lindsell ◽  
Alan B. Storrow ◽  
Samuel Luber ◽  
James W. Hoekstra ◽  
...  

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