Opioid use/abuse is an increasing problem. In a mail survey sent to a random community sample, 4.1% of respondents admitted to taking opioids at that time.
In stroke patients, both acute and during recovery, use a bedside dysphagia screening tool to identify patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia and to guide dietary orders.
This is the second issue in the series on minor trauma. This issue deals with neck and chest injuries. Emergency providers must differentiate between minor injuries and the rarer serious injuries, all while being cost effective and avoiding unnecessary radiation.
A new analysis of Press Ganey patient surveys suggests that whether or not a patient receives painkillers when they present to the ED for care may have much less impact on patient satisfaction than previous thought.
In its first year of operation, Washington states ER is for Emergencies initiative has helped to save the states Medicaid budget $33.6 million. The initiative, which is based on the implementation of seven best practices, has succeeded in part by improving care coordination and by linking EDs across the state so information can be shared electronically.
