Articles Tagged With:
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Tactics Needed to Handle Potential State Bans on Emergency Contraception
Increasingly, states are considering bans on contraception, such as IUDs and emergency contraception, in their rush to increase reproductive health barriers in the post-Roe era.
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Abortion Restrictions Affect Women’s Mental Health
Increasingly, women are experiencing psychosocial issues because of state restrictions on abortion access, according to recent research. Financial pressure, waiting periods, gestational limits, and fear of stigma and judgment all contribute to psychosocial stress.
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Misoprostol Alone Is an Option for Self-Managed Abortion
Self-managed medication abortion with misoprostol alone can work well when mifepristone is unavailable because of state laws or other access obstacles, according to a recent study.
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Access to Mifepristone Still in Legal Limbo
A federal judge may block the use of the safe and effective abortion drug mifepristone after hearing a lawsuit by an anti-abortion organization. The group claimed the FDA had improperly approved mifepristone in 2000.
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Facilities Require ‘Medical Clearance,’ But Evidence Suggests It Is Unnecessary
A patient may present with new delusions, but an otherwise normal physical exam. Why keep that person in a regular ED treatment space or hallway for hours while waiting for a CT scan? Instead, this patient can avoid exposure to radiation, be “cleared” for evaluation by an acute care psychiatrist or social worker, and receive access to treatment hours earlier.
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Challenges in Accessing Resources Lead to ED Psychiatry Consults
Difficulty identifying the “right” level of care for patients, understanding how insurance plays a major role in post-ED care options, and needing help with the operational process of making referrals to outside treatment facilities all are administrative and bureaucratic headaches with which clinicians could use assistance.
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Emergency Clinicians’ Emotional Reactions to Psychiatric Patients Affect Care, Well-Being
Survey participants painted a picture of negative healthcare experiences, for both patients and clinicians, that are adversely affecting the quality of care and staff well-being. Change is badly needed to ensure these vulnerable patient populations receive care — and to support ED providers.
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Restraint Use Can Put Provider, Hospital in a Jam
Personal animus or emotion on the part of an emergency provider should never be a rationale for the use of restraints. EDs are at risk for allegations of unlawful restraint or assault in circumstances where the use of restraints is not justified.
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There Could Be Trouble if Providers Board Children with Psychiatric Complaints
If parents disagree with a hold, convey that staff are keeping the child safe, explain the steps they are taking to find an accepting hospital, and detail how the ED cannot discharge a patient who is on an involuntary hold. When families are informed and given space to vent, the situation can de-escalate.
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Psychiatric Patients Pose Many Legal Risks for EDs; Creative Solutions Needed
Crisis stabilization units, peer support specialists, and targeted screening tools can help leaders fill some gaps.