The American journal of emergency medicine
-
Comparative Study
Comparing neighborhood-based indices of socioeconomic risk factors and potentially preventable emergency department utilization.
Neighborhood stress score (NSS) and area deprivation index (ADI) are two neighborhood-based composite measures used to quantify an individual's socioeconomic risk based on home location. In this analysis, we compare the relationships between an individual's socioeconomic risk, based on each of these measures, and potentially preventable acute care utilization. ⋯ ADI and NSS both represent effective tools to assess the potential impact of geographically-linked socioeconomic drivers of health on potentially preventable acute care utilization. NSS decile was associated with a greater effect size for each measure of utilization suggesting that this may be a stronger predictor, however, additional research is necessary to evaluate these findings in other contexts.
-
The present study aimed to determine whether or not patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) treated by the staff of a doctor helicopter (DH) service while being transported from the scene or for interhospital transportation obtained a favorable outcome. ⋯ The present study suggests the safety of using a Dr. Heli to transport AAD patients from the scene and for interhospital transportation, even after the onset.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Tissue adhesives for peripheral intravenous catheter securement: A prospective randomized controlled pilot trial.
In some patients securing the peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) with a standard adhesive dressing can be difficult because of sweat or other body fluids. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of tissue adhesives alone as a means to secure PIVCs inserted in the emergency department. ⋯ We did not observe any significant differences when PIVCs inserted in the emergency department were secured with tissue adhesives alone, compared to standard adhesive dressings. We observed a high rate of unplanned removal of PIVCs, necessitating further research to determine more reliable ways of securing PIVCs.
-
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Observational Study
Comparison of 4 tests' utility for predicting need for emergency department care in patients with alcohol-related complaints.
Intoxication is a common presenting complaint in emergency departments (ED), but many patients with intoxication do not need emergency care. Three screens (BLINDED, Brown, and San Francisco) attempt to determine which intoxicated patients can be triaged to a lower level of care. ⋯ The three formal screens and provider gestalt performed similarly.
-
Bartholin gland cysts or abscesses account for many gynecologic visits in the emergency department (ED). Previous smaller studies have suggested a link between Bartholin cysts/abscesses and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but few studies have involved the ED. ⋯ Clinicians in the ED should consider testing patients with a Bartholin cyst/abscess for gonorrhea.