Articles: hospital-emergency-service.
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We examined satisfaction with burn care in 1,418 patients treated in 20 community hospital emergency departments. Lower levels of satisfaction correlated with a poorer process of care measured by number of physician deviations from burn care algorithms. ⋯ The more satisfied the patient, the greater the compliance with medical regimens and the better the patient outcomes as measured by days lost from work and perceived disability. If better patient attitudes relate to process of care and in turn to increased compliance and better outcome, then patient satisfaction is an important part of an overall evaluation of emergency department care.
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The urban emergency department is routinely asked to manage not only medical emergencies, but also a great variety of social emergencies. This situation is caused in part by budgetary constraints which prevent other agencies from providing 24-hour coverage. ⋯ A case is presented which raises the issues of confidentiality and liberty in the fiduciary relationship between doctor and patient. The concept of personal care is found to be paramount.