ED Management – December 1, 2011
December 1, 2011
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EDs grapple with record-breaking number of drug shortages
Hospitals have been accustomed to dealing with sporadic drug shortages for more than a decade, but now both pharmacists and clinicians are scrambling to keep up with a problem that has proven to be unpredictable and challenging. -
EMS service providers struggle with shortages of key, life-saving drugs
Like EDs, emergency medical service (EMS) providers have also been struggling with drug shortages in recent years. -
Legislators, drug manufacturers take steps to ease drug shortages
In addition to tracking drug shortages, the Drug Information Service at the University of Utah Healthcare in Salt Lake City, UT, has also attempted to figure out why the shortages are occurring. The underlying causes aren't all well-understood, but some of the problems are clear. -
Patient Flow Solutions: Appointment-setting in the ED pleases patients, helps clinicians manage patient surges
One of the ways busy EDs are attempting to manage long wait times is by enabling patients who do not need immediate care to make an appointment to be seen in the ED one or two hours in advance. -
Study: Temporary ED staff twice as likely to be associated with medication errors that cause harm to patients
Busy EDs are increasingly relying on temporary staff to cope with nursing shortages, unanticipated spikes in volume, and other personnel challenges, but the practice is coming at a steep price, according to research from Johns Hopkins University (JHU) School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. -
ED Coding Update: Get a jump start on the transition to ICD-10
Having recently completed an instructor course in ICD-10, I am still processing the magnitude of the transition to this new system. -
ED Accreditation Update: Prepare for new scrutiny on radiation safety as accrediting agency signals a need for added vigilance on this issue
There was no one precipitating study or finding that prompted the Oakbrook Terrace, IL-based Joint Commission (JC) to issue a Sentinel Event Alert regarding the radiation risks of diagnostic imaging, stresses Ana Pujols McKee, MD, the JC's executive vice president and chief medical officer. -
ED Accreditation Update: Hospitals struggle to comply with Joint Commission standards regarding corridor cluttering and medical record keeping
Emergency department managers should take note of a couple of standards that had very high non-compliance rates for the first six months of 2011, according to data released by the Oakbrook Terrace, Il-based Joint Commission.