Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
-
The objective of this study was to measure the effect of scripting language at triage on the likelihood of elopements, controlling for patient volume and other potential confounding variables. ⋯ The use of triage scripting was found to significantly reduce elopement rates in patients placed in the ED waiting room, even after controlling for other confounding variables. Scripting is a simple and underutilized technique that can have a positive effect for patients and the ED.
-
The objective was to perform an epidemiologic study of emergency department (ED) medical malpractice claims using data maintained by the Physician Insurers Association of America (PIAA), a trade association whose participating malpractice insurance carriers collectively insure over 60% of practicing physicians in the United States. ⋯ Emergency physicians were the primary defendants in a relatively small proportion of ED claims. The disease processes associated with the highest numbers of claims included AMI, appendicitis, and fractures. The largest share of overall indemnity was attributed to errors in the diagnostic process. The financial liability of medical malpractice in the ED is substantial, yet the vast majority of claims resolve in favor of the clinician. Efforts to mitigate risk in the ED should include the diverse clinical specialties who work in this complex environment, with attention to those health conditions and potential errors with the highest risk.
-
The authors sought to determine staff satisfaction with an emergency department (ED) rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing program. ⋯ Emergency department staff satisfaction and overall attitudes with the HIV testing program is high. ED staff does not appear to be a barrier to program implementation.
-
The objective was to examine injuries related to the use of a snow blower among patients treated in an emergency department (ED). ⋯ Findings indicate that injuries from snow blowers remain a public health problem. Efforts to reduce injury incidence are discussed in accordance with inherent challenges of prevention of injuries associated with these products.