ED Management – May 1, 2022
May 1, 2022
View Issues
-
ED Leaders Take Multiple Paths to Improve Geriatric Emergency Care
It has been several years since the Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) Guidelines were published and then endorsed by several groups. But although it is well understood the U.S. population is rapidly aging, experts agree only a few EDs provide the kind of care the GED Guidelines recommend. Where’s the disconnect?
-
The Unique Legal Risks of Treating Geriatric Patients
When compared to younger persons, older adults are more likely to experience missed or incorrect diagnoses and inadequate pain management. Older adults who are discharged from the ED are more likely to be readmitted. They also risk functional loss and higher rates of mortality. Whenever possible, and with the permission of the older adult, the ED nurse should include the patient’s significant other, family, or support person in the assessment process.
-
As Call to Address Disparities Grows Louder, Prescriptions for Improvement Emerge
Frontline providers see patients from disadvantaged communities present with problems that might have been prevented with earlier or better-quality care. However, recently suggested because of the hectic pace of busy EDs, emergency providers may be susceptible to letting bias seep into their decision-making. Thus, researchers contended it is important for emergency clinicians to be aware of potential biases and how they contribute to inequities.
-
Why Some Children Develop Severe COVID-19 Disease
Severe outcomes included cardiovascular complications, neurologic complications, respiratory problems, and infectious-related issues. Those with pre-existing chronic disease, older age, and longer symptom duration put them at serious risk for severe outcomes.
-
Cannabis-Related Visits Surge, Especially Among Children and Older Adults
When a patient presents to the ED with a cannabis-associated visit, this is a chance for providers to offer more education to prevent future problems.
-
Many ED Malpractice Claims Are Rooted in Poor Communication
Securing buy-in from hospital administrators to make investments to improve patient safety, including handoff communication in the ED, can be challenging. Compelling anecdotes about cases when things went terribly wrong can grab leaders’ attention. Showing hard numbers demonstrates the financial burden of medical malpractice.
-
Detailed Charting on Handoffs Stops Legal Finger-Pointing
The ED chart should include a concise summary of the clinical information that was conveyed, a plan for disposition and next steps in care, and a clear transition of care.
-
Consider Risk Implications if Department Is Staffed with Travel Nurses
Nursing shortages are acute, fueled in part by surging wages for travel ED nurses. Unfortunately, travel nurses will not know the nuances of the EDs in which they are working. This hinders teamwork and communication. Thus, staffing EDs with travel nurses carries some potential risk management implications.
-
Does Chart State Why Syncope Patient Was Deemed Low Risk?
Prolonged ECG monitoring in the ED, in an observation unit followed by ambulatory monitoring, can mitigate risks for intermediate- and higher-risk patients.
-
ED Providers Are Frequent Defendants in Aortic Pathology Malpractice Claims
Making the diagnosis is everything — to avoid patient injury and, ultimately, to avoid litigation.
-
Long Waits Raise Risk of Death for Admitted Patients
Boarding of admitted patients in EDs for longer than five hours is linked to a higher risk of death in the following 30 days, a group of researchers found.