ED management : the monthly update on emergency department management
-
Point-of-care testing can ensure that patients are discharged from the ED appropriately. Tests done in the ED can save up to 50 minutes in lab turnaround time. If a single individual handles the testing and results, there is less chance of error. Joint Commission surveyors will be looking for the ability to maintain quality control and proficiency testing records.
-
New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Emergency Physicians recommend having physician and nurse pediatric coordinators to improve the care of children in the ED. The role of pediatric coordinator doesn't need to be a full-time or newly added position. Physician and nurse coordinators should work together to develop policies for improved care. Coordinators should routinely audit patient charts as part of a quality improvement program.
-
New ED ultrasound guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians give recommendations for training, scope of practice, quality assurance, and certification. The guidelines recommend that 150 ultrasound examinations be completed, but if an individual isn't proficient, more examinations must be required. All ultrasound studies during the credentialing period should be compared to gold standard studies, such as computed tomography scan or operative reports. You must be clear about the limitations of ED ultrasound examinations when consulting with specialists.