Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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Comparative Study
Underdosing of midazolam in emergency endotracheal intubation.
To determine whether midazolam, when used as an induction agent for emergency department (ED) rapid-sequence intubation (RSI), is used in adequate and recommended induction doses (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg), and to compare the accuracy of the dosing of midazolam for ED RSI with the accuracy of dosing of other agents. ⋯ Underdosing of midazolam during ED RSI is frequent, and appears to be related to incorrect dosage selection, rather than to a deliberate intention to reduce the dose used.
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Patients with altered level of consciousness may be suffering from elevated intracranial pressure (EICP) from a variety of causes. A rapid, portable, and noninvasive means of detecting EICP is desirable when conventional imaging methods are unavailable. ⋯ Despite small numbers and selection bias, this study suggests that bedside ED US may be useful in the diagnosis of EICP.
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Comparative Study
Impact of critical bed status on emergency department patient flow and overcrowding.
To compare measurements of emergency department (ED) patient flow during periods of acute ED overcrowding and times of normal patient volume (NPV). ⋯ During times of acute overcrowding, the most significant delay occurs awaiting placement in the ED bed.
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Multicenter Study
Predictors and outcomes of frequent emergency department users.
To identify predictors and outcomes associated with frequent emergency department (ED) users. ⋯ Frequent ED visits are associated with socioeconomic distress, chronic illness, and high use of other health resources. Efforts to reduce ED visits require addressing the unique needs of these patients in the emergency and primary care settings.
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To assess public views on emergency exception to informed consent in resuscitation research, public awareness of such studies, and effective methods of community consultation and public notification. ⋯ Most respondents disagreed with foregoing prospective informed consent for research participation even in emergency situations; however, many would be willing to participate in studies using emergency exception from informed consent. Most respondents would not attend community meetings, and would prefer to rely upon the media for information. Very few were aware of emergency exception from informed consent studies in their community. This suggests that current methods of community notification may not be effective.