ED management : the monthly update on emergency department management
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A record-breaking number of drug shortages is impacting all areas of health care, but ED and EMS operations are under added pressure to work around such shortages quickly to meet critical patient needs. Experts say the most successful organizations have established strong communication channels between hospital pharmacists and providers so that when shortages arise, alternative approaches can be devised and communicated swiftly. By mid-September 2011, 213 drug shortages had been reported to the Drug Information Service at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics in Salt Lake City. ⋯ Experts say early recognition of drug shortages is essential so that providers and pharmacists can prioritize resources to optimize patient care. There is broad support for legislation under consideration in Congress that would require drug manufacturers to notify the FDA of anticipated drug shortages. Experts believe such action would enable the FDA to take steps to prevent many shortages from occurring.
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More than 20 hospitals in eight states are taking advantage of a service that enables patients with non-life-threatening conditions to set up appointments to be seen in the ED through an online resource. Critics of the practice are concerned that it will encourage patients to use the ED when they really should be seeing a primary care physician, but EDs that are using the service say patients are highly satisfied with the approach, and that it enables them to better control patient surges. ⋯ Experts say safeguards are essential to ensure that patients with life-threatening conditions come to the ED right away for care rather than waiting for an appointment. ED physicians contend the approach can be used to optimize resources.