Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
-
The emergency department (ED) is an essential component of the public health response plan for control of acute respiratory infectious threats. Effective respiratory hygiene in the ED is imperative to limit the spread of dangerous respiratory pathogens, including influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome, avian influenza, and bioterrorism agents, particularly given that these agents may not be immediately identifiable. Sustaining effective respiratory control measures is especially challenging in the ED because of patient crowding, inadequate staffing and resources, and ever-increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients. ⋯ The patient care section addresses the potentially infected ED patient, including emergency medical services concerns, triage planning, and patient transport. "Legal Issues" discusses the interplay between public safety and patient privacy. Emergency physicians play a critical role in early identification, treatment, and containment of potentially lethal respiratory pathogens. This brief synopsis should help clinicians and administrators understand, develop, and implement appropriate policies and procedures to address respiratory hygiene in the ED.
-
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the newly developed fast track (FT) area in a University-affiliated emergency department. The goals of the FT unit included reducing patients' length of stay, improving patients' satisfaction, and decreasing ED overcrowding. ⋯ Although the average time in room and overall length of stay did not meet expectations, patients did move more quickly through the department after the addition of the FT unit. Patient satisfaction data suggested that the FT staffed by NPs is a welcome addition to the emergency department. The findings provide direction for the future study of NP utilization in the emergency department.