Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock
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J Emerg Trauma Shock · Oct 2013
Further characterization of the influence of crowding on medication errors.
Our prior analysis suggested that error frequency increases disproportionately with Emergency department (ED) crowding. To further characterize, we measured this association while controlling for the number of charts reviewed and the presence of ambulance diversion status. We hypothesized that errors would occur significantly more frequently as crowding increased, even after controlling for higher patient volumes. ⋯ Error frequency appears to remain relatively constant across the range of crowding in our ED when controlling for patient volume via the quantity of orders reviewed. Error quantity therefore increases with crowding, but not at a rate greater than the expected baseline error rate that occurs in uncrowded conditions. These findings suggest that crowding will increase error quantity in a linear fashion.
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J Emerg Trauma Shock · Oct 2013
Risk factors for cervical spine injury among patients with traumatic brain injury.
Diagnosis of cervical spine injury (CSI) is difficult in patients with an altered level of consciousness as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients with TBI and older adults are at increased risk for CSI. This study examined the various risk factors for CSI among trauma patients with TBI and whether adults who were older (≥55 years) were at higher risk for CSI when they sustained a fall-related TBI. ⋯ The identification of associated injuries and factors may assist physicians in evaluating CSI in patients with TBI.