Annals of emergency medicine
-
Violence in the emergency department, a not uncommon but complex phenomenon, may become more serious when patients possess weapons. Searches are used frequently to reduce this danger, though guidelines for searches are not well delineated. We examined our practices in order to formalize our guidelines. ⋯ Although various factors contributed to a clear bias toward searching psychiatric patients, we believe that the rate of weapons possession did not support this bias.
-
A previously healthy 47-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with septic shock five days after a small dog bite on the dorsum of her hand. Capnocytophaga canimorsus was isolated from blood cultures. ⋯ Characteristics of Capnocytophaga (formerly CDC group Dysgonic Fermenter-2) infection are briefly discussed. This unusual outcome in a previously healthy patient and the need for careful management of dog bite wounds, even if initially very small, is emphasized.
-
Risk factors associated with unintentional gunshot fatalities among children include gender and race of the decedent, type of firearm used, and whether loaded guns are stored within the home. ⋯ The study results provide a basis for preventive strategies that limit accessibility or decrease lethality of loaded firearms within the home.
-
The devaluation of interpersonal skills in medical education and practice has contributed to the current breakdown of the patient-physician relationship. The proliferation of medical technologies and the rise of the medical-industrial complex require even greater competency in these skills. ⋯ A literature review demonstrates the direct impact of interpersonal skills on patient care and suggests methods for measuring proficiency in these skills. Elements of a core curriculum are proposed.
-
There is considerable under-reporting of contaminated occupational needlestick and other sharp object injuries among emergency health care workers. ⋯ Work-related contaminated sharp object injuries are under-reported by emergency health care workers, especially emergency physicians.