Emergency Medicine Topics
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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.
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Experts Detail Remaining Barriers to Facilitating Evidence-Based Treatment for OUD
A lack of universal education in medical school and residency programs might perpetuate a reluctance to engage, diagnose, treat, and appropriately refer patients with opioid use disorder. Silos that keep substance use treatment outside mainstream healthcare can limit the collaboration and streamlined referral processes needed between EDs and outpatient providers.
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Is an EmPATH-Style Unit Right for Your ED?
When deliberating, remember the busy, noisy environment of the ED often makes symptoms worse for patients who have presented with psychiatric emergencies. Many EmPATH units consist of designated open spaces where patients are free to roam while under observation.
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Novel Unit Accelerates Psychiatric Care, Keeps Patients Flowing
Some departments have designated space where patients with psychiatric emergencies will be taken as soon as they are medically cleared in the ED. Here, they will be evaluated promptly and treated by psychiatric specialists. This model has prevented boarding, opened more beds, made transfers smoother, and produced better outcomes.
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New Solutions to Help Young Patients Who Present with Behavioral Health Crises
Behavioral health mobile teams, comprised of psychiatrists, psychologists, experts in autism and developmental disabilities, nurses, social workers, and case managers, can support medical teams caring for patients in crisis.
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Complications of Permanent Pacemakers in the Emergency Department Setting
Given the prevalence of cardiac implantable electronic devices in emergency department populations, it is critical to be aware of the relative risk and variety of complications related to these devices so that proper workup and treatment can be initiated.
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American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Solutions to Ease ED Crowding
Group says “coordinated effort across the healthcare delivery system” needed to ensure continuity of care.
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Legal Landmines for Patients Referred to ED for Psychiatric Evaluation
These risks relate to information-sharing for care coordination and continuity of care.