Emergency Medicine - Adult and Pediatric
RSSArticles
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EPs Named in Med/Mal Lawsuits Receive Higher Patient Experience Scores
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Plaintiffs Use Loss of Chance to Prevail in ED Malpractice Claim
Plaintiff attorneys do not always need to prove that an EP’s negligence directly caused a patient’s bad outcome. Instead, they allege only that the plaintiff was deprived of the possibility of a better outcome. Often, these “loss of chance” claims involve missed or delayed diagnosis of stroke.
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Analysis of Stroke Malpractice Cases Reveals Reason for ED Diagnostic Errors
Breakdowns in the initial patient-provider encounter were the most frequent source of diagnostic error in ischemic stroke malpractice cases, according to the authors of a recent analysis.
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Emergency Medicine Specialty Most Likely to be Named in Acute Stroke Malpractice Claims
Emergency physicians (EPs) are the specialty most likely to be sued in acute stroke cases, according to a recent analysis. One-third of malpractice claims named EPs. In contrast, neurologists were named in just 17% of claims.
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Envenomations
Envenomations can occur from a variety of species. They can cause symptoms that range from minor skin irritation to systemic signs and symptoms, organ failure, and even death. Knowing the signs and symptoms of envenomation are important for management and disposition.
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Taming of the Flu: An Update on What's New
The 2019-2020 flu season is already among us, and it is imperative that those healthcare practitioners on the frontline, particularly in our nation’s emergency departments, have current knowledge of prevention and treatment strategies.
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Methamphetamines in the Emergency Department: Part of the Drug Epidemic
The use and abuse of methamphetamine is a worsening global health problem that may be underestimated in light of the current opioid epidemic. Methamphetamines result in sympathetically mediated agitation and in psychiatric symptoms. Clinicians should be knowledgeable about the recognition and treatment of these disorders, as well as about the other complications, including arrhythmias, cerebrovascular accidents, seizures, dental issues, and systemic and local infections.
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The Pediatric Airway and Rapid Sequence Intubation
The skill to assess and manage the pediatric airway is essential. Correlating anatomic considerations with the need for escalating airway management is critical to optimize each child's outcome.
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Claims Allege ED Failed to Diagnose Fracture; Cases Feature Similar Fact Patterns
Orthopedists were the most frequently named specialty in fracture-related malpractice lawsuits, according to the authors of an analysis of claims occurring from 1988 to 2015.
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Sparsely Charted History and Physical Complicates Med/Mal Defense
The chart should clearly show what was considered, and what was ruled out, during the visit. Thoroughness in this regard leads the EP to the appropriate testing, treatment, and disposition.