The American journal of emergency medicine
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Comparative Study
Prediction of en-route complications during interfacility transport by outcome predictive scores in ED.
The objective was to determine the accuracy of the outcome predictive scores (Modified Early Warning Score [MEWS]; Hypotension, Low Oxygen Saturation, Low Temperature, Abnormal ECG, Loss of Independence [HOTEL] score; and Simple Clinical Score [SCS]) in predicting en-route complications during interfacility transport (IFT) in emergency department. ⋯ None of the scores had good accuracy in prediction of en-route complications during IFT. MEWS at triage was among the best one already but was not ideal.
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Diagnosis of bone fractures by ultrasonography is becoming increasingly popular in emergency medicine practice. We aimed to determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) compared with plain radiographs in proximal and middle phalanx fractures. ⋯ Emergency physician-performed PoCUS was moderately sensitive and specific for diagnosing proximal and middle phalanx fractures.
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Observational Study
Barriers to outpatient stress testing follow-up for low-risk chest pain patients presenting to an ED chest pain unit.
Outpatient stress testing (OST) after evaluation in the emergency department (ED) is an acceptable evaluation method for patients presenting to the ED with low-risk chest pain (CP). However, not all patients return for OST. Barriers to follow-up evaluation exist and are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the influence of demographic and social characteristics on OST compliance. ⋯ More than one-third of low-risk CP patients do not follow-up with scheduled OST. Of the variables analyzed, both employment status and insurance type were statistically significant and should be included in risk stratification strategies for OST.