Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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The objective was to develop a decision aid (DA) to facilitate shared decision making (SDM) around whether to obtain computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected uncomplicated ureterolithiasis. ⋯ Using stakeholder engagement and qualitative inquiry, we developed an evidence-based DA to facilitate SDM around the question of CT scan utilization in patients with suspected uncomplicated ureterolithiasis. Future research will test the efficacy of the DA in facilitating SDM.
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A shared language and vocabulary are essential for managing emergency department (ED) operations. This Fourth Emergency Department Benchmarking Alliance (EDBA) Summit brought together experts in the field to review, update, and add to key definitions and metrics of ED operations. ⋯ A complete and precise set of operational definitions, time intervals, and utilization measures is necessary for timely and effective ED care. A common language of financial and regulatory definitions that affect ED operations is included for the first time. This article and its companion dictionary should serve as a resource to ED leadership, researchers, informatics and health policy leaders, and regulatory bodies.
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Mechanical circulatory support is increasingly used as a long-term treatment option for patients with end-stage heart failure. Patients with implanted ventricular assist devices are at high risk for a range of diverse medical urgencies and emergencies. Given the increasing prevalence of mechanical circulatory support devices, this expert clinical consensus document seeks to help inform emergency medicine and prehospital providers regarding the approach to acute medical and surgical conditions encountered in these complex patients.