Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
-
Comparative Study
Disagreement between formal and medical record criteria for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome.
To measure agreement between formal and medical record criteria for the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among patients undergoing an emergency department evaluation for potential acute coronary symptoms. ⋯ In a single-site study, among subjects who have possible ACS as determined by either or both formal and medical record criteria, these two sets of criteria disagree in almost one third of cases. Among discordant cases, even two expert judges frequently disagreed on the final diagnosis. A modified Delphi technique to address these disagreements is described.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for corneal abrasions: meta-analysis of randomized trials.
To determine the effectiveness of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in traumatic corneal abrasions. ⋯ Topical NSAIDs are effective analgesics for traumatic corneal abrasions.
-
To determine whether family members (FMs) remaining with pediatric patients during invasive procedures interfere with delivery of care. ⋯ In this study, family members remaining with children during invasive procedures were not a risk for disruption of patient care.
-
Each year, approximately 40,000 patients with acute asthma are transported by the Fire Department of New York City (NYC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Out-of-hospital administration of bronchodilator therapy has, however, been restricted by scope of practice to advanced life support (ALS) providers. Since the rapid availability of ALS units cannot always be assured, some individuals with acute asthma may receive only basic life support (BLS) measures in the field. ⋯ This study demonstrates that EMT-Bs can effectively administer albuterol to acute asthma patients in the out-of-hospital environment.