Annals of emergency medicine
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We empirically identify those aspects that make an effective lecture according to both quantitative and qualitative assessments of the opinions of a select group of emergency medicine educators. ⋯ Quantitative and qualitative findings indicate that a specific and directed structure, a lecturer's knowledge base, and confidence and enthusiasm for the material are key components in the development of an effective lecture. These self-reported findings help describe strategies of exemplary emergency medicine lecturers that can be considered by faculty, residents, and other presenters.
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Every year, approximately 6.2 million hospital admissions through emergency departments (ED) involve elderly patients who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of pressure-redistribution foam mattresses on ED stretchers and beds for early prevention of pressure ulcers in elderly admitted ED patients. ⋯ The economic evidence supports early prevention with pressure-redistribution foam mattresses in the ED. Early prevention is likely to improve health for elderly patients and save hospital costs.
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The role of computed tomography (CT) in acute illnesses has increased substantially in recent years; however, little is known about how CT use in the emergency department (ED) has changed over time. ⋯ CT use in the ED has increased significantly in recent years across a broad range of presenting complaints. The increase has been associated with a decline in admissions or transfers after CT use, although this effect has stabilized more recently.
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Multicenter Study
Diabetes is not associated with increased mortality in emergency department patients with sepsis.
Despite its high prevalence, the influence of diabetes on outcomes of emergency department (ED) patients with sepsis remains undefined. Our aim is to investigate the association of diabetes and initial glucose level with mortality in patients with suspected infection from the ED. ⋯ We found no evidence for a harmful association of diabetes and mortality in patients across different sepsis severities. High initial glucose levels were associated with adverse outcomes in the nondiabetic population only. Further investigation is warranted to determine the mechanism for these effects.
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We determine the rate at which trauma patients re-present to the emergency department (ED) after discharge from the hospital and determine whether re-presentation is related to race, insurance, and socioeconomic factors such as neighborhood income level. ⋯ A substantial number of trauma patients return to the ED within 30 days of being discharged, but only a small proportion of these patients required readmission. Re-presentation is associated with being uninsured or underinsured and with lower neighborhood income level.