Annals of emergency medicine
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Atrial fibrillation is a significant public health problem that is becoming increasingly prevalent. The clinical epidemiology of US emergency department (ED) visits for atrial fibrillation is uncertain. This study seeks to describe recent trends in ED visits for atrial fibrillation. ⋯ From 1993 to 2004, the population-adjusted rate of ED visits for atrial fibrillation increased, whereas the proportion admitted to the hospital remained stable. Patient characteristics and ED management were similar regardless of admission status, and there were relatively few predictors of admission.
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We study the impact of emergency department (ED) crowding on delays in treatment and nontreatment for patients with severe pain. ⋯ ED crowding is associated with poor quality of care in patients with severe pain, with respect to total lack of treatment and delay until treatment.