Emergency
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Crisis Changes Priorities — and Possibly Clinical Practices
There is a tipping point for any emergency department (ED) when the normal standard of care is no longer possible. As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, some EDs are coming close to reaching it.
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ED Care Different During COVID-19; So Is the Legal Standard of Care
Liability for emergency department providers during the COVID-19 pandemic is different than normal times. It changes priorities somewhat. Care is geared more toward the public’s best interest, rather than doing the most good for one individual.
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Plaintiff Allegation: ‘I Should Have Been Tested’
Thousands of people have presented to emergency departments (EDs) with symptoms consistent with coronavirus. Not all have been tested for various reasons. Of those who were tested, some were discharged from the ED and never received the results. Of that group, some will die.
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Malpractice Risks During COVID-19: ‘Really Enormous’ for ED Providers
Emergency department (ED) providers, overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and at risk for contracting the virus, also face potential legal exposure. Many emergency physicians (EPs), ED nurses, and hospitals are stretching beyond a breaking point. What it all means for ED malpractice claims remains to be seen.
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Pain Management in the Emergency Department: Opioids and Alternative Pain Management Therapies
Opioid therapy can be an effective form of pain management in the ED for acute painful conditions. The risk of addiction and abuse should be considered in every case. Alternatives to opioid therapy include systemic agents, such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, lidocaine, alpha agonists, anticonvulsants, ketamine, corticosteroids, and local and regional anesthesia.
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Trauma in Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Overview
The authors provide a concise, comprehensive overview of the unique anatomic and physiologic features of pregnancy, as well as modifications and considerations important for the management of the pregnant trauma patient.
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Hospitals Use Telemedicine to Limit Exposures, Preserve PPE, Guide Patients to Right Setting
Facilities are using technology to maintain safe distances between workers and patients to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Affects Many, But Severe Outcomes More Apparent in Older Patients
While some researchers try to learn useful information from COVID-19 case data, other scientists are working on the early stages of various clinical trials, seeking a pharmaceutical remedy to the virus.
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Experts: Flattening the Curve of the Epidemic Must Be the Focus Right Now
The United States must focus on mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and make sure healthcare providers are in a position to deliver the best care possible for everyone who is infected.
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Learn How to Don and Doff PPE Correctly
Teaching providers how to put on and remove personal protective equipment may be one of the most important things any healthcare organization can focus on. When this process is not performed correctly, a worker can become exposed and potentially infected.