Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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It has been reported that emergency department length of stay (ED-LOS) for older patients is longer than average. Our objective was to determine the effect of age, patient's clinical acuity and complexity, and care pathways on ED-LOS and ED plus observation unit (EDOU) LOS (EDOU-LOS). ⋯ Whereas ED-LOS and EDOU-LOS seem to be directly related to patients' acuity and complexity, notably the need for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, only EDOU-LOS was significantly associated with age and proposed care pathways. We propose that EDOU-LOS measurement should be made in EDs with an OU.
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To derive a maximally sensitive decision rule for clinical practice to rule out the need for x-ray examination after elbow injury in adults and children. ⋯ A simple and highly sensitive clinical decision rule for adult elbow fracture was derived in our cohort. A validation study in a second population is now required. At present, we are unable to recommend a rule-out strategy for elbow injuries in children.
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Mobile apps are increasingly being used at the bedside as a part of clinical care. With almost 300 emergency medicine-related apps available in the Apple App Store, it can be overwhelming deciding which are most useful for emergency department providers. A Top 10 list of apps is highlighted which illustrate the many ways that quality apps can positively impact the care of emergency department patients.