Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) is a common reason for investigation and admission of alcohol dependent patients in UK emergency departments. Although well described in international emergency medicine literature, UK emergency physicians rarely make the diagnosis of AKA. There is increasing evidence that rather than being benign and self limiting, AKA may be a significant cause of mortality in patients with alcohol dependence. This literature review discusses the history, characterisation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of AKA.
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To investigate the characteristics of incidents of aggression and violence directed towards staff in an urban UK emergency department. ⋯ Departments should seek to monitor individuals responsible for episodes of violence and aggression in order to detect repeat offenders. A prospective study comprising post-incident reviews may provide a valuable insight into the causes of violence and aggression.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Confidential registration in health services: randomised controlled trial.
Human rights legislation safeguards the privacy and dignity of patients. ⋯ Patients value privacy when they register and are concerned if others can hear them tell receptionists who they are, how to contact them, and why they are there. Confidential registration should be instituted in health services. Confidential registration increased patient privacy and should be instituted in health services.