BACKGROUND: Communication failure in prehospital emergency medicine can affect patient safety as it does in other areas of medicine as well. We analyzed the database of the critical incident reporting system for preho...BACKGROUND: Communication failure in prehospital emergency medicine can affect patient safety as it does in other areas of medicine as well. We analyzed the database of the critical incident reporting system for prehospital emergency medicine in Germany retrospectively regarding communication errors.METHODS: Experts of prehospital emergency medicine and risk management screened the database for verbal communication failure, non-verbal communication failure and missing communication at all.RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2015, 845 reports were analyzed, of which 247 reports were considered to be related to communication failure. An arbitrary classifi cation resulted in six different kinds: 1) no acknowledgement of a suggestion; 2) medication error; 3) miscommunication with dispatcher; 4) utterance heard/understood improperly; 5) missing information transfer between two persons; and 6) other communication failure.CONCLUSION: Communication defi cits can lead to critical incidents in prehospital emergency medicine and are a very important aspect in patient safety.展开更多
BACKGROUND: In Iran, few studies have evaluated emergency medicine as a career option. In the present study, we aimed to find out how Iranian emergency-medicine specialists view their specialty as a career.METHODS: Fo...BACKGROUND: In Iran, few studies have evaluated emergency medicine as a career option. In the present study, we aimed to find out how Iranian emergency-medicine specialists view their specialty as a career.METHODS: Following a qualitative study, a Likert-scale questionnaire was developed. Iranian emergency physician specialists who had at least two years' job experience were contacted via email. A uniform link to a Web-based survey and a cover letter that explained the survey were sent to the recipients. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc analysis to determine the differences between demographic subgroups.RESULTS: A total of 109 eligible responses were received, a response rate of 72.63%. Of the responders, 57.8% were 30–40 years of age, 86.2% were male, 86.2% were single, 84.4% were faculty members and 90.8% had fewer than 10 years' job experience. The main problems occurring during the career of Iranian emergency physicians were: insuffi cient income, inadequate recognition of the specialty by the community, inadequate union support, insecurity in the emergency wards, overcrowding, job stresses and night shifts. Despite insufficiency of income, Iranian emergency physicians(EPs) did not care about the financial benefits of patient care. Academic activity had positive effects on the perspectives of Iranian emergency physicians regarding their careers.CONCLUSION: Iranian emergency physicians and leaders in emergency medicine should struggle to improve the present situation, aiming at an ideal state.展开更多
BACKGROUND: We compare educational environments(i.e. physical, emotional and intellectual experiences) of emergency medicine(EM) residents training in the United States of America(USA) and Saudi Arabia(SA).METHODS: A ...BACKGROUND: We compare educational environments(i.e. physical, emotional and intellectual experiences) of emergency medicine(EM) residents training in the United States of America(USA) and Saudi Arabia(SA).METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an adapted version of the validated Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure(PHEEM) survey instrument from April 2015 through June 2016 to compare educational environments in all emergency medicine residency programs in SA and three selected programs in the USA with a history of training Saudi physicians. Overall scores were compared across programs, and for subscales(autonomy, teaching, and social Support), using chi-squared, t-tests, and analysis of variance.RESULTS: A total of 219 surveys were returned for 260 residents across six programs(3 SA, 3 USA), with a response rate of 84%. Program-specific response rates varied from 79%–100%. All six residencies were qualitatively rated as "more positive than negative but room for improvement". Quantitative PHEEM scores for the USA programs were significantly higher: 118.7 compared to 109.9 for SA, P=0.001. In subscales, perceptions of social support were not different between the two countries(P=0.243); however, role autonomy(P<0.001) and teaching(P=0.005) were better in USA programs. There were no significant differences by post-graduate training year.CONCLUSION: EM residents in all three emergency medicine residency programs in SA and the three USA programs studied perceive their training as high quality in general, but with room for improvements. USA residency programs scored higher in overall quality. This was driven by more favorable perceptions of role autonomy and teaching. Understanding how residents perceive their programs may help drive targeted quality improvement efforts.展开更多
BACKGROUND:This study was undertaken to examine the current level of operations and management education within US-based Emergency Medicine Residency programs.METHODS:Residency program directors at all US-based Emerge...BACKGROUND:This study was undertaken to examine the current level of operations and management education within US-based Emergency Medicine Residency programs.METHODS:Residency program directors at all US-based Emergency Medicine Residency programs were anonymously surveyed via a web-based instrument.Participants indicated their levels of residency education dedicated to documentation,billing/coding,core measure/quality indicator compliance,and operations management.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the ordinal data/Likert scales.RESULTS:One hundred and six(106)program directors completed the study instrument of one hundred and fifty-six(156)programs(70%).Of these,82.6%indicated emergency department(ED)operations and management education within the training curriculum.Dedicated documentation training was noted in all but 1 program(99%).Program educational offerings also included billing/coding(83%),core measure/quality indicators(78%)and operations management training(71%).In all areas,the most common means of educating came through didactic sessions and direct attending feedback or 69%-94%and 72%-98%respectively.Residency leadership was most confident with resident understanding of quality documentation(80%)and less so with core measures(72%),billing/coding/RVUs(58%),and operations management tools(23%).CONCLUSIONS:While most EM residency programs integrate basic operational education related to documentation and billing/coding,a smaller number provide focused education on the dayto-day management and operations of the ED.Residency leadership perceives graduating resident understanding of operational management tools to be limited.All respondents value further resident curriculum development of ED operations and management.展开更多
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was declared a global public health emergency on 31 January 2020.Emergency medicine procedures in Emergency Department should be optimized to cope with the current COV...The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was declared a global public health emergency on 31 January 2020.Emergency medicine procedures in Emergency Department should be optimized to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic by providing subspecialty services,reducing the spread of nosocomial infections,and promoting its capabilities to handle emerging diseases.Thus,the Chinese Society of Emergency Medicine and Wuhan Society of Emergency Medicine drafted this consensus together to address concerns of medical staffs who work in Emergency Department.Based on in-depth review of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plans,literatures,as well as management approval,this consensus proposes recommendations for improving the rationalization and efficiency of emergency processes,reducing the risk of nosocomial infections,preventing hospital viral transmission,and ensuring patient safety.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Emergency medicine providers(EMPs) prescribe about 25% of opioids, but the effect of EMP risk perception on decisions to prescribe opioids is unknown. This study was undertaken to identify factors that inf...BACKGROUND: Emergency medicine providers(EMPs) prescribe about 25% of opioids, but the effect of EMP risk perception on decisions to prescribe opioids is unknown. This study was undertaken to identify factors that infl uence EMP risk and opioid prescribing practices.METHODS: We distributed an anonymous questionnaire to EMPs at a military trauma and referral center. Response frequencies and distributions were assessed for independence using the Chi-square test.RESULTS: Eighty-nine EMPs completed the questionnaire(100% response). Respondents were primarily younger male physicians(80%) in practice under fi ve years(55%). Male EMPs were more likely to prescribe more opioid tablets than female ones both when and when not concerned for opioid misuse(P<0.001, P<0.007, respectively). Of the providers, 70% stated that patient age would inf luence their prescribing decisions. Hydrocodone and oxycodone were the opioids prescribed most frequently. About 60% of the providers reported changing their prescribing behavior would not prevent opioid misuse. Additionally, 40% of the providers believed at least 10% of patients seen at this military ED misused opioids.CONCLUSION: Female EM providers reported prescribing fewer opioid tablets. Patient age infl uenced prescribing behavior, but the effect is unknown. Finally, EM providers reported that altering their prescribing behavior would not prevent prescription opioid misuse.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Macedonia has universal public health care coverage.Acute and emergency patient care is provided in different care environments based on the medical complaint and resource proximity.While emergency medicine...BACKGROUND:Macedonia has universal public health care coverage.Acute and emergency patient care is provided in different care environments based on the medical complaint and resource proximity.While emergency medicine and well organized emergency departments(EDs) are an essential component of any developed health care system,emergency medicine as a specialty is relatively non-existent in Macedonia.DATA RESOURCES:A system assessment regarding presence,availability and capacity of EDs was completed from 2013-2015,based upon assessments of 21 institutions providing emergency care and information provided by the Ministry of Health.This assessment establishes a benchmark from which to strategically identify,plan and implement the future of emergency medicine in Macedonia.RESULTS:In general,emergency departments- defined by offering acute care 24 hours per day,7 days per week- were available at all general and university hospitals.However,care resources,emergency and acute care training,and patient care capacity vary greatly within the country.There is limited uniformity in acute care approach and methodology.Hospital EDs are not organized as separate divisions run by a head medical doctor,nor are they staffed by specialists trained in emergency medicine.The diagnostic and treatment capacities are insufficient or outdated by current international emergency medicine standards and frequently require patient transfer or admission prior to initiation.CONCLUSION:Most of the surveyed hospitals are capable of providing essential diagnostic tests,but very few are able to do so at the point or time of presentation.While emergency medical services(EMS) have improved system-wide,emergent care interventions by EMS and within all hospitals remain limited.Further system-wide acute and emergency care improvements are forthcoming.展开更多
As people live longer and fewer babies are born,the elderly became the fastest and largest growing population of the world,expected to increase further from 86 million in 2005 to 394 million in 2050 worldwide.Older pa...As people live longer and fewer babies are born,the elderly became the fastest and largest growing population of the world,expected to increase further from 86 million in 2005 to 394 million in 2050 worldwide.Older patients represent a large bulk of the population arriving in emergency departments(EDs)all over the world.^([1])They use hospitals more frequently than younger patients。展开更多
BACKGROUND： Emergency medicine was inaugurated, as an official specialty in China, only25 years ago, and its growth in clinical practice and academic development since that time have beenremarkable.METHODS： This pap...BACKGROUND： Emergency medicine was inaugurated, as an official specialty in China, only25 years ago, and its growth in clinical practice and academic development since that time have beenremarkable.METHODS： This paper is a critical and descriptive review on current situations in emergencymedicine in China, based on the literature review, personal observations, interviews with manyChinese emergency medicine doctors and experts, and personal experience in both China and USA.RESULTS： The current practice of emergency medicine in China encompasses three areas： prehospitalmedicine, emergency medicine, and critical care medicine. Most tertiary emergency departments（EDs） are structurally and functionally divided into several clinical areas, allowing the ED itself to functionas a small independent hospital. While Chinese emergency physicians receive specialty training througha number of pathways, national standards in training and certifi cation have not yet been developed. As aresult, the scope of practice for emergency physicians and the quality of clinical care vary greatly betweenindividual hospitals. Physician recruitment, diffi cult working conditions, and academic promotion remain asmajor challenges in the development of emergency medicine in China.CONCLUSION： To further strengthen the specialty advancement, more government leadershipis needed to standardize regional training curriculums, elucidate practice guidelines, provide fundingopportunities for academic development in emergency medicine, and promote the development of asystem approach to emergency care in China.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation resulting from night shifts, is a major cause of burnout among physicians. Exogenous melatonin may improve sleep quality in night-shift workers. The study aims to compare the effectivenes...BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation resulting from night shifts, is a major cause of burnout among physicians. Exogenous melatonin may improve sleep quality in night-shift workers. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of melatonin versus placebo on sleep effi ciency in emergency medicine(EM) residents. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, replicated crossover trial was performed on EM residents. This study consisted of 4 phases within a month with intervention periods of 2 nights and washouts of 6 days. In our study, EM residents had nine-hour shifts on 6 consecutive days, 2 mornings, 2 evenings and 2 nights and then 2 days off. At the end of shifts' cycle, 24 EM residents were given 3 mg melatonin or placebo(12 in each arm of the study) for 2 consecutive nights after the second night shift with crossover to the other arm after a six-day off drug. This crossover intervention was repeated for two more another time. Finally, we created 48 cases and comparisons in each arm. Different items related to sleep quality were assessed and compared both within the same group and between the two groups. RESULTS: In the melatonin group, daytime sleepiness(calculated by Karolinska Sleep Scale) had a signifi cant reduction after taking the second dose of drug(P=0.003) but the same result was not observed when comparing the 2 groups. Mood status(calculated by Profile of Mood States) showed no remarkable difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Melatonin might have a limited benefi t on sleep quality in EM residents working night shifts.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Acute chest pain represents a common presentation at emergency department.Aortic dissection in young patients,however,is fortunately rare.METHODS:We report a case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with Sta...BACKGROUND:Acute chest pain represents a common presentation at emergency department.Aortic dissection in young patients,however,is fortunately rare.METHODS:We report a case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with Stanford type A aortic dissection in an otherwise well 22-year-old male patient.Operative aortic valve and root replacement was undertaken with favourable outcome.RESULTS:Histopathologic examination of the resected aorta revealed acute on chronic inflammatory change with Langerhans type giant cells consistent with a diagnosis of giant cell aortitis.CONCLUSION:While uncommon,emergencies of the aorta may present in young patients.Predisposing conditions are discussed.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Assessing and evaluating mental health status can provide educational planners valuable information to predict the quality of physicians' performance at work. These data can help physicians to practice...BACKGROUND: Assessing and evaluating mental health status can provide educational planners valuable information to predict the quality of physicians' performance at work. These data can help physicians to practice in the most desired way. The study aimed to evaluate factors affecting psychological morbidity in Iranian emergency medicine practitioners at educational hospitals of Tehran.METHODS: In this cross sectional study 204 participants(emergency medicine residents and specialists) from educational hospitals of Tehran were recruited and their psychological morbidity was assessed by using a 28-question Goldberg General Health Questionnaire(GHQ-28). Somatization, anxiety and sleep disorders, social dysfunction and depression were evaluated among practitioners and compared to demographic and job related variables.RESULTS: Two hundreds and four participants consisting of 146(71.6%) males and 58(28.4%) females were evaluated. Of all participants, 55(27%) were single and 149(73%) were married. Most of our participants(40.2%) were between 30–35 years old. By using GHQ-28, 129(63.2%) were recognized as normal and 75(36.8%) suffered some mental health disorders. There was a signifi cant gender difference between normal practitioners and practitioners with disorder(P=0.02) while marital status had no significant difference(P=0.2). Only 19(9.3%) declared having some major mental health issue in the previous month.CONCLUSION: Females encountered more mental health disorders than male(P=0.02) and the most common disorder observed was somatization(P=0.006).展开更多
BACKGROUND: Feedback on patient outcomes is invaluable to the practice of emergency medicine but examples of effective forms of feedback have not been well characterized in the literature. We describe one system of em...BACKGROUND: Feedback on patient outcomes is invaluable to the practice of emergency medicine but examples of effective forms of feedback have not been well characterized in the literature. We describe one system of emergency department(ED) outcome feedback called the return visit report(RVR) and present the results of a survey assessing physicians' perceptions of this novel form of feedback. METHODS: An Opinio web-based survey was conducted in 81 emergency physicians(EPs) at three EDs.RESULTS: Of the 81 physicians surveyed, 40(49%) responded. Most participants indicated that they frequently review their RVRs(83%), that RVRs are valuable to their practice of medicine(80%), and that RVRs alter their practice in future encounters(57%). Respondents reported seeking other forms of outcome feedback including speaking with other EPs(83%) and reviewing discharge summaries of admitted patients(87%). There was no correlation between demographic data and use of RVRs.CONCLUSION: EPs value RVRs as a form of feedback. RVRs could be improved by reducing the observational interval and optimizing report relevance and differential weighting.展开更多
BACKGROUND:While the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education(ACGME)mandates that emergency medicine residencies provide an educational curriculum that includes administrative seminars and morbidity and mo...BACKGROUND:While the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education(ACGME)mandates that emergency medicine residencies provide an educational curriculum that includes administrative seminars and morbidity and mortality conference,there is significant variation as to how administrative topics are implemented into training programs.We seek to determine the prevalence of dedicated administrative rotations and details about the components of the curriculum.METHODS:In this descriptive study,a 12-question survey was distributed via the CORD listserv;each member program was asked questions concerning the presence of an administrative rotation and details about its components.These responses were then analyzed with simple descriptive statistics.RESULTS:A total of 114 of the 168 programs responded,leading to a 68%response rate.Of responders,73%have a dedicated administrative rotation(95%CI 64.0 to 80.4).The content areas covered by the majority of programs with a dedicated program include performance improvement(n=68),patient safety(n=64),ED operations(n=58),patient satisfaction(n=54),billing and coding(n=47),and inter-professional collaboration(n=43).Experiential learning activities include review of patient safety reports(n=66)and addressing patient complaints(n=45).Most of the teaching on the rotation is either in-person(n=65)and/or self-directed reading assignments(n=48).The most commonly attended meetings during the rotation include performance improvement(n=60),ED operations(n=59),and ED faculty(n=44).CONCLUSION:This paper provides an overview of the most commonly covered resident administrative experiences that can be a guide as we work to develop an ideal administrative curriculum for EM residents.展开更多
Introduction: the demand for urgent obstetric and gynecology care has progressively increased: in the United States approximately 1.4 million gynecologic visits are made to the emergency department (ED) annually, whil...Introduction: the demand for urgent obstetric and gynecology care has progressively increased: in the United States approximately 1.4 million gynecologic visits are made to the emergency department (ED) annually, while almost 75% of women make at least 1 unscheduled visit during pregnancy. Moreover, research has recently focused on setting standards in unscheduled care, and developing quality indicators to improve patients’ health. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of women with acute gynecological or pregnancy complaints using quality indicators developed for emergency medicine, to better define the needs of this population and improve care. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on ED, and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) triage visits, at a tertiary care hospital in Italy, during 2012. Data were analyzed with population-averaged logistic regression and Poisson regression. Results: When compared to the 33,557 ED visits, the 9245 ObGyntriage referrals were more frequently associated with pregnancy (≤12 weeks’ gestation, OR: 30.7, 95%CI;24.5 - 38.4;>12 weeks’ gestation, OR 81.2, 95%CI;64.8 - 101.4), vaginal bleeding (OR 156.6, 95%CI;82.7 - 294.4), diurnal (night access OR 0.87, 95% CI;0.78 - 0.96) and weekday access (holiday access OR 0.87, 95%CI;0.78 - 0.95), frequent users (recurrent ED visits IRR 0.87, 95%CI;0.83 - 0.9) and lower hospital admissions (ED admission OR 1.6, 95%CI;1.4 - 1.8). Conclusion: ObGyn triage patients differed from ED users, and were at higher risk of “crowding”. Such diversities should be considered to improve female healthcare services and allocate resources more efficiently.展开更多
Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)and SARS-CoV-2 variants,has become a global pandemic resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.Severe case...Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)and SARS-CoV-2 variants,has become a global pandemic resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by hypoxemia,hyperinflammation,cytokine storm in lung.Clinical studies have reported an association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease(CVD).Patients with CVD tend to develop severe symptoms and mortality if contracted COVID-19 with further elevations of cardiac injury biomarkers.Furthermore,COVID-19 itself can induce and promoted CVD development,including myocarditis,arrhythmia,acute coronary syndrome,cardiogenic shock,and venous thromboembolism.Although the direct etiology of SARS-CoV-2–induced cardiac injury remains unknown and underinvestigated,it is suspected that it is related to myocarditis,cytokine-mediated injury,microvascular injury,and stress-related cardiomyopathy.Despite vaccinations having provided the most effective approach to reducing mortality overall,an adapted treatment paradigm and regular monitoring of cardiac injury biomarkers is critical for improving outcomes in vulnerable populations at risk for severe COVID-19.In this review,we focus on the latest progress in clinic and research on the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 and provide a perspective of treating cardiac complications deriving from COVID-19 in emergency medicine.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Agitation is a common presentation within emergent departments(EDs).Agitation during pregnancy should be treated as an obstetric emergency,as the distress may jeopardize both the patient and fetus.The safet...BACKGROUND:Agitation is a common presentation within emergent departments(EDs).Agitation during pregnancy should be treated as an obstetric emergency,as the distress may jeopardize both the patient and fetus.The safety of psychotropic medications in the reproductive age female has not been well established.This review aimed to explore a summary of general agitation recommendations with an emphasis on ED management of agitation during pregnancy.METHODS:A literature review was conducted to explore the pathophysiology of acute agitation and devise a preferred treatment plan for ED management of acute agitation in the reproductive age or pregnant female.RESULTS:While nonpharmacological management is preferred,ED visits for agitation often require medical management.Medication should be selected based on the etiology of agitation and the clinical setting to avoid major adverse effects.Adverse effects are common in pregnant females.For mild to moderate agitation in pregnancy,diphenhydramine is an effective sedating agent with minimal adverse effects.In moderate to severe agitation,high-potency typical psychotropics are preferred due to their neutral effects on hemodynamics.Haloperidol has become the most frequently utilized psychotropic for agitation during pregnancy.Second generation psychotropics are often utilized as second-line therapy,including risperidone.Benzodiazepines and ketamine have demonstrated adverse fetal outcomes.CONCLUSION:While randomized control studies cannot be ethically conducted on pregnant patients requiring sedation,animal models and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the effects of psychotropic medication exposure in utero.As the fetal risk associated with multiple doses of psychotropic medications remains unknown,weighing the risks and benefits of each agent,while utilizing the lowest effective dose remains critical in the treatment of acute agitation within the EDs.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modali...BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modalities,survival rates for TCA patients remain low.This narrative literature review critically examines the indications and eff ectiveness of current therapeutic approaches in treating TCA.METHODS:We performed a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published before December 31,2022.The search was refi ned by combining search terms,examining relevant study references,and restricting publications to the English language.Following the search,943 articles were retrieved,and two independent reviewers conducted a screening process.RESULTS:A review of various studies on pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors showed that survival rates were higher when patients had an initial shockable rhythm.There were conflicting results regarding other prognostic factors,such as witnessed arrest,bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),and the use of prehospital or in-hospital epinephrine.Emergency thoracotomy was found to result in more favorable outcomes in cases of penetrating trauma than in those with blunt trauma.Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta(REBOA)provides an advantage to emergency thoracotomy in terms of occupational safety for the operator as an alternative in managing hemorrhagic shock.When implemented in the setting of aortic occlusion,emergency thoracotomy and REBOA resulted in comparable mortality rates.Veno-venous extracorporeal life support(V-V ECLS)and veno-arterial extracorporeal life support(V-A ECLS)are viable options for treating respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock,respectively.In the context of traumatic injuries,V-V ECLS has been associated with higher rates of survival to discharge than V-A ECLS.CONCLUSION:TCA remains a signifi cant challenge for emergency medical services due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.Pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from aggressive and resource-intensive resuscitation measures.Further research is needed to enhance guidelines for the clinical use of established and emerging therapeutic approaches that can help optimize treatment effi cacy and ameliorate survival outcomes.展开更多
The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for infecting to date more than 93 million people worldwide and causing more than 2 million deaths.That the vast majority of deaths have occurred in the United States(U.S.)can be a...The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for infecting to date more than 93 million people worldwide and causing more than 2 million deaths.That the vast majority of deaths have occurred in the United States(U.S.)can be attributed to nonadherence by Americans to basic public health mitigation strategies that are known to curtail coronavirus spread.Emergency Departments(ED’s)throughout the U.S.experienced a dramatic decrease in patient visits during the first surge of COVID-19,followed by an ED patient visit rebound to approximately 80%of pre-COVID-19 numbers,which have remained relatively stable through the current second COVID-19 surge.The pandemic highlighted the significant role that hospital ED’s and emergency physicians played in combatting COVID-19“on the front lines.”Wearing extensive and escalating personal protective equipment(PPE)layers became the norm in seeing emergency patients,and many infrastructure and process changes occurred included evaluating and treating patients in outdoor tents,cohorting confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients in designated ED and hospital sections,and repeatedly amending COVID-19 evaluation and treatment guidelines as more information became available on a sometimes daily basis.Regarding other clinical venues in which emergency physicians were working during COVID-19 surges,Observation Unit patient visits decreased,although patient acuity increased;urgent care(UC)patient visits decreased dramatically,whereas Telehealth(TH)patient visits to our 24/7 available platform,JeffCONNECT,saw a dramatic increase in activity.Remdesivir,Dexamethazone and more recently,the monoclonal antibody Bamlanivimab,have formed the mainstay of treatment offered to our patients with COVID-19;all these agents are offered to patients in our ED’s and Observation Unit.The current second COVID-19 surge,with our ED and hospital patient visits remaining essentially stable,has intensified the public health crisis as record numbers of U.S.patients continue to acquire COVID-19 and die.With ED patient care processes being optimized to treat the influx of COVID-19 patients,and ED geography being adjusted within ED’s and expanding maximally to areas outside the ED’s but still within the confines of hospital walls,emergency physicians have taken the lead in caring for patients remotely via on demand TH Virtual ED visits.Rather than continuing to request the patients to come to us,emergency physicians are evolving to assess patients remotely and are embracing health care delivery models that bring acute unscheduled medical care to patients at home.This will include also prioritizing health wellness,health care disparities,and health equity,as Emergency Medicine(EM)and emergency physicians begin to collectively address community and patient social determinants of health,especially in vulnerable populations and communities.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Monkeypox(mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa,but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare.In June 2022,mpox began to spread across Europe and No...BACKGROUND:Monkeypox(mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa,but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare.In June 2022,mpox began to spread across Europe and North America,causing the World Health Organization(WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern.This article aims to review clinical presentation,diagnosis,and prevention and treatment strategies on mpox,providing the basic knowledge for prevention and control for emergency providers.METHODS:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and SCOPUS databases from their beginnings to the end of July 2023.The inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients focusing on emerging infections that described an approach to a public health emergency of international concern,systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,and retrospective studies.Studies that were not published in English were excluded.RESULTS:We included 50 studies in this review.The initial symptoms of mpox are non-specific:fever,malaise,myalgias,and sore throat.Rash,a common presentation of mpox,usually occurs 2–4 weeks after the prodrome,but the presence of lymphadenopathy may distinguish mpox from other infections from the Poxviridae family.Life-threatening complications such as pneumonia,sepsis,encephalitis,myocarditis,and death can occur.There are documented co-occurrences of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections that can worsen morbidity.CONCLUSION:The initial presentation of mpox is non-specific.The preferred treatment included tecovirimat in patients with severe illness or at high risk of developing severe disease and vaccination with two doses of JYNNEOS.However,careful history and physical examination can raise the clinicians’ suspicion and point toward a prompt diagnosis.There are diff erent modalities to prevent and treat mpox infection.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND: Communication failure in prehospital emergency medicine can affect patient safety as it does in other areas of medicine as well. We analyzed the database of the critical incident reporting system for prehospital emergency medicine in Germany retrospectively regarding communication errors.METHODS: Experts of prehospital emergency medicine and risk management screened the database for verbal communication failure, non-verbal communication failure and missing communication at all.RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2015, 845 reports were analyzed, of which 247 reports were considered to be related to communication failure. An arbitrary classifi cation resulted in six different kinds: 1) no acknowledgement of a suggestion; 2) medication error; 3) miscommunication with dispatcher; 4) utterance heard/understood improperly; 5) missing information transfer between two persons; and 6) other communication failure.CONCLUSION: Communication defi cits can lead to critical incidents in prehospital emergency medicine and are a very important aspect in patient safety.
文摘BACKGROUND: In Iran, few studies have evaluated emergency medicine as a career option. In the present study, we aimed to find out how Iranian emergency-medicine specialists view their specialty as a career.METHODS: Following a qualitative study, a Likert-scale questionnaire was developed. Iranian emergency physician specialists who had at least two years' job experience were contacted via email. A uniform link to a Web-based survey and a cover letter that explained the survey were sent to the recipients. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc analysis to determine the differences between demographic subgroups.RESULTS: A total of 109 eligible responses were received, a response rate of 72.63%. Of the responders, 57.8% were 30–40 years of age, 86.2% were male, 86.2% were single, 84.4% were faculty members and 90.8% had fewer than 10 years' job experience. The main problems occurring during the career of Iranian emergency physicians were: insuffi cient income, inadequate recognition of the specialty by the community, inadequate union support, insecurity in the emergency wards, overcrowding, job stresses and night shifts. Despite insufficiency of income, Iranian emergency physicians(EPs) did not care about the financial benefits of patient care. Academic activity had positive effects on the perspectives of Iranian emergency physicians regarding their careers.CONCLUSION: Iranian emergency physicians and leaders in emergency medicine should struggle to improve the present situation, aiming at an ideal state.
文摘BACKGROUND: We compare educational environments(i.e. physical, emotional and intellectual experiences) of emergency medicine(EM) residents training in the United States of America(USA) and Saudi Arabia(SA).METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted using an adapted version of the validated Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure(PHEEM) survey instrument from April 2015 through June 2016 to compare educational environments in all emergency medicine residency programs in SA and three selected programs in the USA with a history of training Saudi physicians. Overall scores were compared across programs, and for subscales(autonomy, teaching, and social Support), using chi-squared, t-tests, and analysis of variance.RESULTS: A total of 219 surveys were returned for 260 residents across six programs(3 SA, 3 USA), with a response rate of 84%. Program-specific response rates varied from 79%–100%. All six residencies were qualitatively rated as "more positive than negative but room for improvement". Quantitative PHEEM scores for the USA programs were significantly higher: 118.7 compared to 109.9 for SA, P=0.001. In subscales, perceptions of social support were not different between the two countries(P=0.243); however, role autonomy(P<0.001) and teaching(P=0.005) were better in USA programs. There were no significant differences by post-graduate training year.CONCLUSION: EM residents in all three emergency medicine residency programs in SA and the three USA programs studied perceive their training as high quality in general, but with room for improvements. USA residency programs scored higher in overall quality. This was driven by more favorable perceptions of role autonomy and teaching. Understanding how residents perceive their programs may help drive targeted quality improvement efforts.
文摘BACKGROUND:This study was undertaken to examine the current level of operations and management education within US-based Emergency Medicine Residency programs.METHODS:Residency program directors at all US-based Emergency Medicine Residency programs were anonymously surveyed via a web-based instrument.Participants indicated their levels of residency education dedicated to documentation,billing/coding,core measure/quality indicator compliance,and operations management.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the ordinal data/Likert scales.RESULTS:One hundred and six(106)program directors completed the study instrument of one hundred and fifty-six(156)programs(70%).Of these,82.6%indicated emergency department(ED)operations and management education within the training curriculum.Dedicated documentation training was noted in all but 1 program(99%).Program educational offerings also included billing/coding(83%),core measure/quality indicators(78%)and operations management training(71%).In all areas,the most common means of educating came through didactic sessions and direct attending feedback or 69%-94%and 72%-98%respectively.Residency leadership was most confident with resident understanding of quality documentation(80%)and less so with core measures(72%),billing/coding/RVUs(58%),and operations management tools(23%).CONCLUSIONS:While most EM residency programs integrate basic operational education related to documentation and billing/coding,a smaller number provide focused education on the dayto-day management and operations of the ED.Residency leadership perceives graduating resident understanding of operational management tools to be limited.All respondents value further resident curriculum development of ED operations and management.
文摘The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was declared a global public health emergency on 31 January 2020.Emergency medicine procedures in Emergency Department should be optimized to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic by providing subspecialty services,reducing the spread of nosocomial infections,and promoting its capabilities to handle emerging diseases.Thus,the Chinese Society of Emergency Medicine and Wuhan Society of Emergency Medicine drafted this consensus together to address concerns of medical staffs who work in Emergency Department.Based on in-depth review of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plans,literatures,as well as management approval,this consensus proposes recommendations for improving the rationalization and efficiency of emergency processes,reducing the risk of nosocomial infections,preventing hospital viral transmission,and ensuring patient safety.
文摘BACKGROUND: Emergency medicine providers(EMPs) prescribe about 25% of opioids, but the effect of EMP risk perception on decisions to prescribe opioids is unknown. This study was undertaken to identify factors that infl uence EMP risk and opioid prescribing practices.METHODS: We distributed an anonymous questionnaire to EMPs at a military trauma and referral center. Response frequencies and distributions were assessed for independence using the Chi-square test.RESULTS: Eighty-nine EMPs completed the questionnaire(100% response). Respondents were primarily younger male physicians(80%) in practice under fi ve years(55%). Male EMPs were more likely to prescribe more opioid tablets than female ones both when and when not concerned for opioid misuse(P<0.001, P<0.007, respectively). Of the providers, 70% stated that patient age would inf luence their prescribing decisions. Hydrocodone and oxycodone were the opioids prescribed most frequently. About 60% of the providers reported changing their prescribing behavior would not prevent opioid misuse. Additionally, 40% of the providers believed at least 10% of patients seen at this military ED misused opioids.CONCLUSION: Female EM providers reported prescribing fewer opioid tablets. Patient age infl uenced prescribing behavior, but the effect is unknown. Finally, EM providers reported that altering their prescribing behavior would not prevent prescription opioid misuse.
文摘BACKGROUND:Macedonia has universal public health care coverage.Acute and emergency patient care is provided in different care environments based on the medical complaint and resource proximity.While emergency medicine and well organized emergency departments(EDs) are an essential component of any developed health care system,emergency medicine as a specialty is relatively non-existent in Macedonia.DATA RESOURCES:A system assessment regarding presence,availability and capacity of EDs was completed from 2013-2015,based upon assessments of 21 institutions providing emergency care and information provided by the Ministry of Health.This assessment establishes a benchmark from which to strategically identify,plan and implement the future of emergency medicine in Macedonia.RESULTS:In general,emergency departments- defined by offering acute care 24 hours per day,7 days per week- were available at all general and university hospitals.However,care resources,emergency and acute care training,and patient care capacity vary greatly within the country.There is limited uniformity in acute care approach and methodology.Hospital EDs are not organized as separate divisions run by a head medical doctor,nor are they staffed by specialists trained in emergency medicine.The diagnostic and treatment capacities are insufficient or outdated by current international emergency medicine standards and frequently require patient transfer or admission prior to initiation.CONCLUSION:Most of the surveyed hospitals are capable of providing essential diagnostic tests,but very few are able to do so at the point or time of presentation.While emergency medical services(EMS) have improved system-wide,emergent care interventions by EMS and within all hospitals remain limited.Further system-wide acute and emergency care improvements are forthcoming.
文摘As people live longer and fewer babies are born,the elderly became the fastest and largest growing population of the world,expected to increase further from 86 million in 2005 to 394 million in 2050 worldwide.Older patients represent a large bulk of the population arriving in emergency departments(EDs)all over the world.^([1])They use hospitals more frequently than younger patients。
文摘BACKGROUND： Emergency medicine was inaugurated, as an official specialty in China, only25 years ago, and its growth in clinical practice and academic development since that time have beenremarkable.METHODS： This paper is a critical and descriptive review on current situations in emergencymedicine in China, based on the literature review, personal observations, interviews with manyChinese emergency medicine doctors and experts, and personal experience in both China and USA.RESULTS： The current practice of emergency medicine in China encompasses three areas： prehospitalmedicine, emergency medicine, and critical care medicine. Most tertiary emergency departments（EDs） are structurally and functionally divided into several clinical areas, allowing the ED itself to functionas a small independent hospital. While Chinese emergency physicians receive specialty training througha number of pathways, national standards in training and certifi cation have not yet been developed. As aresult, the scope of practice for emergency physicians and the quality of clinical care vary greatly betweenindividual hospitals. Physician recruitment, diffi cult working conditions, and academic promotion remain asmajor challenges in the development of emergency medicine in China.CONCLUSION： To further strengthen the specialty advancement, more government leadershipis needed to standardize regional training curriculums, elucidate practice guidelines, provide fundingopportunities for academic development in emergency medicine, and promote the development of asystem approach to emergency care in China.
文摘BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation resulting from night shifts, is a major cause of burnout among physicians. Exogenous melatonin may improve sleep quality in night-shift workers. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of melatonin versus placebo on sleep effi ciency in emergency medicine(EM) residents. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, replicated crossover trial was performed on EM residents. This study consisted of 4 phases within a month with intervention periods of 2 nights and washouts of 6 days. In our study, EM residents had nine-hour shifts on 6 consecutive days, 2 mornings, 2 evenings and 2 nights and then 2 days off. At the end of shifts' cycle, 24 EM residents were given 3 mg melatonin or placebo(12 in each arm of the study) for 2 consecutive nights after the second night shift with crossover to the other arm after a six-day off drug. This crossover intervention was repeated for two more another time. Finally, we created 48 cases and comparisons in each arm. Different items related to sleep quality were assessed and compared both within the same group and between the two groups. RESULTS: In the melatonin group, daytime sleepiness(calculated by Karolinska Sleep Scale) had a signifi cant reduction after taking the second dose of drug(P=0.003) but the same result was not observed when comparing the 2 groups. Mood status(calculated by Profile of Mood States) showed no remarkable difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Melatonin might have a limited benefi t on sleep quality in EM residents working night shifts.
文摘BACKGROUND:Acute chest pain represents a common presentation at emergency department.Aortic dissection in young patients,however,is fortunately rare.METHODS:We report a case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with Stanford type A aortic dissection in an otherwise well 22-year-old male patient.Operative aortic valve and root replacement was undertaken with favourable outcome.RESULTS:Histopathologic examination of the resected aorta revealed acute on chronic inflammatory change with Langerhans type giant cells consistent with a diagnosis of giant cell aortitis.CONCLUSION:While uncommon,emergencies of the aorta may present in young patients.Predisposing conditions are discussed.
文摘BACKGROUND: Assessing and evaluating mental health status can provide educational planners valuable information to predict the quality of physicians' performance at work. These data can help physicians to practice in the most desired way. The study aimed to evaluate factors affecting psychological morbidity in Iranian emergency medicine practitioners at educational hospitals of Tehran.METHODS: In this cross sectional study 204 participants(emergency medicine residents and specialists) from educational hospitals of Tehran were recruited and their psychological morbidity was assessed by using a 28-question Goldberg General Health Questionnaire(GHQ-28). Somatization, anxiety and sleep disorders, social dysfunction and depression were evaluated among practitioners and compared to demographic and job related variables.RESULTS: Two hundreds and four participants consisting of 146(71.6%) males and 58(28.4%) females were evaluated. Of all participants, 55(27%) were single and 149(73%) were married. Most of our participants(40.2%) were between 30–35 years old. By using GHQ-28, 129(63.2%) were recognized as normal and 75(36.8%) suffered some mental health disorders. There was a signifi cant gender difference between normal practitioners and practitioners with disorder(P=0.02) while marital status had no significant difference(P=0.2). Only 19(9.3%) declared having some major mental health issue in the previous month.CONCLUSION: Females encountered more mental health disorders than male(P=0.02) and the most common disorder observed was somatization(P=0.006).
文摘BACKGROUND: Feedback on patient outcomes is invaluable to the practice of emergency medicine but examples of effective forms of feedback have not been well characterized in the literature. We describe one system of emergency department(ED) outcome feedback called the return visit report(RVR) and present the results of a survey assessing physicians' perceptions of this novel form of feedback. METHODS: An Opinio web-based survey was conducted in 81 emergency physicians(EPs) at three EDs.RESULTS: Of the 81 physicians surveyed, 40(49%) responded. Most participants indicated that they frequently review their RVRs(83%), that RVRs are valuable to their practice of medicine(80%), and that RVRs alter their practice in future encounters(57%). Respondents reported seeking other forms of outcome feedback including speaking with other EPs(83%) and reviewing discharge summaries of admitted patients(87%). There was no correlation between demographic data and use of RVRs.CONCLUSION: EPs value RVRs as a form of feedback. RVRs could be improved by reducing the observational interval and optimizing report relevance and differential weighting.
文摘BACKGROUND:While the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education(ACGME)mandates that emergency medicine residencies provide an educational curriculum that includes administrative seminars and morbidity and mortality conference,there is significant variation as to how administrative topics are implemented into training programs.We seek to determine the prevalence of dedicated administrative rotations and details about the components of the curriculum.METHODS:In this descriptive study,a 12-question survey was distributed via the CORD listserv;each member program was asked questions concerning the presence of an administrative rotation and details about its components.These responses were then analyzed with simple descriptive statistics.RESULTS:A total of 114 of the 168 programs responded,leading to a 68%response rate.Of responders,73%have a dedicated administrative rotation(95%CI 64.0 to 80.4).The content areas covered by the majority of programs with a dedicated program include performance improvement(n=68),patient safety(n=64),ED operations(n=58),patient satisfaction(n=54),billing and coding(n=47),and inter-professional collaboration(n=43).Experiential learning activities include review of patient safety reports(n=66)and addressing patient complaints(n=45).Most of the teaching on the rotation is either in-person(n=65)and/or self-directed reading assignments(n=48).The most commonly attended meetings during the rotation include performance improvement(n=60),ED operations(n=59),and ED faculty(n=44).CONCLUSION:This paper provides an overview of the most commonly covered resident administrative experiences that can be a guide as we work to develop an ideal administrative curriculum for EM residents.
文摘Introduction: the demand for urgent obstetric and gynecology care has progressively increased: in the United States approximately 1.4 million gynecologic visits are made to the emergency department (ED) annually, while almost 75% of women make at least 1 unscheduled visit during pregnancy. Moreover, research has recently focused on setting standards in unscheduled care, and developing quality indicators to improve patients’ health. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of women with acute gynecological or pregnancy complaints using quality indicators developed for emergency medicine, to better define the needs of this population and improve care. Methods: Retrospective cohort study on ED, and Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn) triage visits, at a tertiary care hospital in Italy, during 2012. Data were analyzed with population-averaged logistic regression and Poisson regression. Results: When compared to the 33,557 ED visits, the 9245 ObGyntriage referrals were more frequently associated with pregnancy (≤12 weeks’ gestation, OR: 30.7, 95%CI;24.5 - 38.4;>12 weeks’ gestation, OR 81.2, 95%CI;64.8 - 101.4), vaginal bleeding (OR 156.6, 95%CI;82.7 - 294.4), diurnal (night access OR 0.87, 95% CI;0.78 - 0.96) and weekday access (holiday access OR 0.87, 95%CI;0.78 - 0.95), frequent users (recurrent ED visits IRR 0.87, 95%CI;0.83 - 0.9) and lower hospital admissions (ED admission OR 1.6, 95%CI;1.4 - 1.8). Conclusion: ObGyn triage patients differed from ED users, and were at higher risk of “crowding”. Such diversities should be considered to improve female healthcare services and allocate resources more efficiently.
基金This work was supported by National Institutes of Health(HL096686,Dr Ma/Dr Wang,MPI,HL-123404,Dr Ma,HL158612 and HL157495,Dr Wang)the American Heart Association(20TPA35490095,Dr Wang).
文摘Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)and SARS-CoV-2 variants,has become a global pandemic resulting in significant morbidity and mortality.Severe cases of COVID-19 are characterized by hypoxemia,hyperinflammation,cytokine storm in lung.Clinical studies have reported an association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease(CVD).Patients with CVD tend to develop severe symptoms and mortality if contracted COVID-19 with further elevations of cardiac injury biomarkers.Furthermore,COVID-19 itself can induce and promoted CVD development,including myocarditis,arrhythmia,acute coronary syndrome,cardiogenic shock,and venous thromboembolism.Although the direct etiology of SARS-CoV-2–induced cardiac injury remains unknown and underinvestigated,it is suspected that it is related to myocarditis,cytokine-mediated injury,microvascular injury,and stress-related cardiomyopathy.Despite vaccinations having provided the most effective approach to reducing mortality overall,an adapted treatment paradigm and regular monitoring of cardiac injury biomarkers is critical for improving outcomes in vulnerable populations at risk for severe COVID-19.In this review,we focus on the latest progress in clinic and research on the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 and provide a perspective of treating cardiac complications deriving from COVID-19 in emergency medicine.
文摘BACKGROUND:Agitation is a common presentation within emergent departments(EDs).Agitation during pregnancy should be treated as an obstetric emergency,as the distress may jeopardize both the patient and fetus.The safety of psychotropic medications in the reproductive age female has not been well established.This review aimed to explore a summary of general agitation recommendations with an emphasis on ED management of agitation during pregnancy.METHODS:A literature review was conducted to explore the pathophysiology of acute agitation and devise a preferred treatment plan for ED management of acute agitation in the reproductive age or pregnant female.RESULTS:While nonpharmacological management is preferred,ED visits for agitation often require medical management.Medication should be selected based on the etiology of agitation and the clinical setting to avoid major adverse effects.Adverse effects are common in pregnant females.For mild to moderate agitation in pregnancy,diphenhydramine is an effective sedating agent with minimal adverse effects.In moderate to severe agitation,high-potency typical psychotropics are preferred due to their neutral effects on hemodynamics.Haloperidol has become the most frequently utilized psychotropic for agitation during pregnancy.Second generation psychotropics are often utilized as second-line therapy,including risperidone.Benzodiazepines and ketamine have demonstrated adverse fetal outcomes.CONCLUSION:While randomized control studies cannot be ethically conducted on pregnant patients requiring sedation,animal models and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated the effects of psychotropic medication exposure in utero.As the fetal risk associated with multiple doses of psychotropic medications remains unknown,weighing the risks and benefits of each agent,while utilizing the lowest effective dose remains critical in the treatment of acute agitation within the EDs.
文摘BACKGROUND:Traumatic cardiac arrest(TCA)is a major contributor to mortality and morbidity in all age groups and poses a significant burden on the healthcare system.Although there have been advances in treatment modalities,survival rates for TCA patients remain low.This narrative literature review critically examines the indications and eff ectiveness of current therapeutic approaches in treating TCA.METHODS:We performed a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases for studies published before December 31,2022.The search was refi ned by combining search terms,examining relevant study references,and restricting publications to the English language.Following the search,943 articles were retrieved,and two independent reviewers conducted a screening process.RESULTS:A review of various studies on pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors showed that survival rates were higher when patients had an initial shockable rhythm.There were conflicting results regarding other prognostic factors,such as witnessed arrest,bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),and the use of prehospital or in-hospital epinephrine.Emergency thoracotomy was found to result in more favorable outcomes in cases of penetrating trauma than in those with blunt trauma.Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta(REBOA)provides an advantage to emergency thoracotomy in terms of occupational safety for the operator as an alternative in managing hemorrhagic shock.When implemented in the setting of aortic occlusion,emergency thoracotomy and REBOA resulted in comparable mortality rates.Veno-venous extracorporeal life support(V-V ECLS)and veno-arterial extracorporeal life support(V-A ECLS)are viable options for treating respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock,respectively.In the context of traumatic injuries,V-V ECLS has been associated with higher rates of survival to discharge than V-A ECLS.CONCLUSION:TCA remains a signifi cant challenge for emergency medical services due to its high morbidity and mortality rates.Pre-and intra-arrest prognostic factors can help identify patients who are likely to benefit from aggressive and resource-intensive resuscitation measures.Further research is needed to enhance guidelines for the clinical use of established and emerging therapeutic approaches that can help optimize treatment effi cacy and ameliorate survival outcomes.
文摘The COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for infecting to date more than 93 million people worldwide and causing more than 2 million deaths.That the vast majority of deaths have occurred in the United States(U.S.)can be attributed to nonadherence by Americans to basic public health mitigation strategies that are known to curtail coronavirus spread.Emergency Departments(ED’s)throughout the U.S.experienced a dramatic decrease in patient visits during the first surge of COVID-19,followed by an ED patient visit rebound to approximately 80%of pre-COVID-19 numbers,which have remained relatively stable through the current second COVID-19 surge.The pandemic highlighted the significant role that hospital ED’s and emergency physicians played in combatting COVID-19“on the front lines.”Wearing extensive and escalating personal protective equipment(PPE)layers became the norm in seeing emergency patients,and many infrastructure and process changes occurred included evaluating and treating patients in outdoor tents,cohorting confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients in designated ED and hospital sections,and repeatedly amending COVID-19 evaluation and treatment guidelines as more information became available on a sometimes daily basis.Regarding other clinical venues in which emergency physicians were working during COVID-19 surges,Observation Unit patient visits decreased,although patient acuity increased;urgent care(UC)patient visits decreased dramatically,whereas Telehealth(TH)patient visits to our 24/7 available platform,JeffCONNECT,saw a dramatic increase in activity.Remdesivir,Dexamethazone and more recently,the monoclonal antibody Bamlanivimab,have formed the mainstay of treatment offered to our patients with COVID-19;all these agents are offered to patients in our ED’s and Observation Unit.The current second COVID-19 surge,with our ED and hospital patient visits remaining essentially stable,has intensified the public health crisis as record numbers of U.S.patients continue to acquire COVID-19 and die.With ED patient care processes being optimized to treat the influx of COVID-19 patients,and ED geography being adjusted within ED’s and expanding maximally to areas outside the ED’s but still within the confines of hospital walls,emergency physicians have taken the lead in caring for patients remotely via on demand TH Virtual ED visits.Rather than continuing to request the patients to come to us,emergency physicians are evolving to assess patients remotely and are embracing health care delivery models that bring acute unscheduled medical care to patients at home.This will include also prioritizing health wellness,health care disparities,and health equity,as Emergency Medicine(EM)and emergency physicians begin to collectively address community and patient social determinants of health,especially in vulnerable populations and communities.
文摘BACKGROUND:Monkeypox(mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa,but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare.In June 2022,mpox began to spread across Europe and North America,causing the World Health Organization(WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern.This article aims to review clinical presentation,diagnosis,and prevention and treatment strategies on mpox,providing the basic knowledge for prevention and control for emergency providers.METHODS:We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and SCOPUS databases from their beginnings to the end of July 2023.The inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients focusing on emerging infections that described an approach to a public health emergency of international concern,systematic reviews,clinical guidelines,and retrospective studies.Studies that were not published in English were excluded.RESULTS:We included 50 studies in this review.The initial symptoms of mpox are non-specific:fever,malaise,myalgias,and sore throat.Rash,a common presentation of mpox,usually occurs 2–4 weeks after the prodrome,but the presence of lymphadenopathy may distinguish mpox from other infections from the Poxviridae family.Life-threatening complications such as pneumonia,sepsis,encephalitis,myocarditis,and death can occur.There are documented co-occurrences of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections that can worsen morbidity.CONCLUSION:The initial presentation of mpox is non-specific.The preferred treatment included tecovirimat in patients with severe illness or at high risk of developing severe disease and vaccination with two doses of JYNNEOS.However,careful history and physical examination can raise the clinicians’ suspicion and point toward a prompt diagnosis.There are diff erent modalities to prevent and treat mpox infection.
