Brit J Hosp Med
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Sustainable and satisfying working practices in emergency medicine are vital to produce career longevity and prevent premature 'burnout'. A range of strategies is required to ensure success for the individual and the system in which he/she works.
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Does rapid assessment shorten the amount of time patients spend in the emergency department?
Overcrowding in the emergency department is a common phenomenon. This study assessed the impact of introducing a consultant-supported rapid assessment model, known as EDIT, and point of care testing upon the length of time patients spend in the emergency department. ⋯ This study demonstrates that a consultant-supported rapid assessment model using point of care testing significantly shortens the time patients spend in the emergency department.
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The crisis in emergency medicine in the UK was no surprise to staff in the specialty, but was not expected by the Department of Health. This article explains how chronic, systematic under-resourcing of emergency care has caused emergency departments to decompensate, and discusses actions that are necessary to prevent recurrence.
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Few performance management measures create as much heat and debate as the 4-hour target for emergency departments. This article critically reviews the history, evidence and effectiveness of the 4-hour standard for patients attending emergency departments.