Can J Emerg Med
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Opioid-related deaths are increasing at alarming rates in Canada, with a 34% increase from 2016 to 2017. Patients with opioid use disorder often visit emergency departments (ED), presenting an opportunity to engage patients in treatment. Buprenorphine-naloxone is first-line treatment for opioid use disorder, but current management in the ED is unknown. This study aimed to characterize opioid use disorder management in the ED. ⋯ This study found that buprenorphine is not frequently prescribed in the ED setting, which is incongruent with the 2018 guidelines. Care coordination and on-site support were helpful to ED physicians. Hospitals should use knowledge translation strategies to improve the care of patients with an opioid use disorder.
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There is no patient emergency more important than protecting health care workers during a pandemic.
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Regional anesthesia has many applications in the emergency department (ED). It has been shown to reduce general anesthetic dose, requirement for post-procedural opioids, and recovery time. We sought to characterize the use of regional anesthesia by Canadian emergency physicians, including practices, perspectives and barriers to use in the ED. ⋯ Canadian emergency physicians use regional anesthesia infrequently but express an interest in expanding their use. While equipment is available, additional training, protocols, and increased support from nursing staff are modifiable factors that could facilitate uptake.