Can J Emerg Med
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Emergency department (ED) crowding is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its etiology is multifactorial, and frequent ED use (defined as more or equal to five visits per year) is a major contributor to high patient volumes. Our primary objective is to characterize the frequent user population. Our secondary objective is to examine risk factors for frequent emergency use. ⋯ Our study is the first Canadian study to assess risk factors of frequent pediatric emergency use. The identified risk factors and diagnoses highlight the need for future evidence-based, targeted innovative research evaluating strategies to minimize ED crowding, to improve health outcomes and to improve patient satisfaction.
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Clinical questionHow often is pulmonary embolism (PE) found in patients admitted for syncope?Article chosenPrandoni P, Lensing A, Prins M, et al. Prevalence of pulmonary embolism among patients hospitalized for syncope (PESIT). N Engl J Med 2016;375:1524-31, doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1602172.