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Falls Prevention Awareness Week:
Is Your Facility Prepared?

Read on for more information leaders and caregivers need to keep patients safe.

COVID-19 Prevention May Equal Flu Prevention

Masking, physical distancing, and other measures implemented to slow the pandemic appear to be dramatically reducing influenza outbreaks.

Vomiting and Diarrhea in Immunocompromised Patients

Patients who are immunosuppressed may exhibit subtle or atypical presentations of gastrointestinal infection, as well as complications of their underlying disease processes or treatments. Emergency physicians should maintain a high level of suspicion for life-threatening pathology and evaluate these patients using broad differentials.

Investigators Find Substance Use Disorders Make Patients More Vulnerable to COVID-19

Such disorders can compromise lungs and cardiovascular system, which may explain the susceptibility.

Considerations and Concerns with Vitamin C in Sepsis and Septic Shock

Sepsis remains a major healthcare problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Roles for hydrocortisone, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and thiamine (HAT therapy) as potential adjuvants remain controversial.

ORANGES and ACTS Trials: No Mortality Benefit with Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine, and Hydrocortisone in Septic Shock Patients

Two double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trials involving 337 patients (ORANGES, n = 137; ACTS, n = 200) with sepsis and septic shock have shown that administration of ascorbic acid, thiamine, and hydrocortisone did not reduce organ dysfunction or improve overall mortality. However, both trials showed that this combination therapy was effective in reducing the time to achieve shock resolution or shock-free days.

Premises Liability or Malpractice Claims — Either Way, ED Falls Pose Risks

A nurse-managed, individually tailored falls prevention plan administered for at least 20 months did not significantly reduce risk of serious fall injuries in older adults at high risk for falls, according to the results a recent study.

‘Hybrid’ Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Are ‘End-Run’ Around Damage Caps

These cases allege both professional negligence and medical battery. Insiders explain why that may be problematic.

Lawsuits Allege Abnormal Findings Were Missed After ED Patient was Admitted

Education on structured handoffs and closed loop communication is paying dividends. Still, malpractice claims are occurring with admitted patients. The fact patterns all are similar: Tests are ordered while the patient remains in the ED. Results come back after the patient is upstairs — and no one ever follows up.

For EDs, Simulation Is Not Just for Training, It Is a Risk Management Tool

Some procedures are high-risk, but low-volume. Simulation is a way for ED providers to practice these uncommon procedures.