Articles: hospital-emergency-service.
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Observational Study
Universal SARS-CoV-2 Testing of Emergency Department Admissions Increases Emergency Department Length of Stay.
Our institution experienced a change in SARS-CoV-2 testing policy as well as substantial changes in local COVID-19 prevalence, allowing for a unique examination of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 testing and emergency department (ED) length of stay. ⋯ Although universal SARS-CoV-2 testing of ED admissions may meaningfully support mitigation and containment efforts, the clinical cost of testing all admissions amid low community positivity is notable. In our system, universal ED SARS-CoV-2 testing was associated with a 24% increase in admission length of stay alongside the detection of only 1 positive case every other day. Given the known harms and risks of ED boarding and crowding, solutions must be developed to support regular operational flow while balancing infection prevention needs.
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 2022
Electrocardiogram in Pediatric Syncope: Practice Variation Among Pediatric Emergency Physicians.
We intended to assess emergency department physician's practice pattern and their motivations for obtaining electrocardiograms (ECGs) in pediatric vasovagal syncope presentations. We also explored if borderline ECG findings alters emergency department physicians' management in this population. ⋯ This study highlights the significant practice variation in the evaluation and management of typical vasovagal syncope among physicians, which is informed by complex interactions of patient, provider, and institutional factors and the perceived clinical significance of borderline ECG findings.
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Using computer software in general practice to predict patient risk of emergency hospital admission has been widely advocated, despite limited evidence about effects. In a trial evaluating the introduction of a Predictive Risk Stratification Model (PRISM), statistically significant increases in emergency hospital admissions and use of other NHS services were reported without evidence of benefits to patients or the NHS. ⋯ Qualitative results suggest mixed views of predictive risk stratification in general practice and raised awareness of highest-risk patients potentially affecting rates of unplanned hospital attendance and admissions. To inform future policy, decision makers need more information about implementation and effects of emergency admission risk stratification tools in primary and community settings.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2022
Observational StudyImpact of lockdowns on critical care service demand in a metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia.
There is a growing recognition of the impact of lockdowns on non-COVID-19 demand for critical care services. While a reduction in demand has been postulated, there remains a paucity of quantitative data on the extent and nature of this reduction. The present study aims to quantify the impact of lockdown on critical care services, namely ED, intensive care unit (ICU), medical emergency team (MET) and emergency theatre (ET) demand, during the lockdown in Victoria, Australia. ⋯ Lockdowns lead to a significant reduction in ICU, MET call and ED demand, and to a lesser extent ET demand. This pattern should be considered in surge capacity and workforce redeployment planning. There are also impacts on public health epidemiology, with potential adverse consequences on mental health and chronic disease management. Further research on the impact of lockdowns on long-term disease outcomes is needed.
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 2022
Adults Followed by Pediatric Subspecialists: A Growing Population in the Pediatric Emergency Department.
Adults are being seen with increasing frequency in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs), but the drivers behind this increase are unknown. Our primary aim was to compare adults seen in the PED followed by pediatric subspecialists to those who are not. ⋯ Pediatric subspecialty adults are presenting to the PED at a greater rate, and they require more time and resources compared with other presenting adults. As frontline providers, PEDs, physicians, and staff must be prepared to address this growing subset of patients driving the increase in adults presenting to the PED.