J Emerg Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Providers with Limited Experience Perform Better in Advanced Life Support with Assistance Using an Interactive Device with an Automated External Defibrillator Linked to a Ventilator.
Medical teams with limited experience in performing advanced life support (ALS) or with a low frequency of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while on duty, often have difficulty complying with CPR guidelines. ⋯ The assist device increased the rescuers' CPR quality. CPR providers with limited experience or a limited frequency of CPR performance (i.e., rural Emergency Medical Services crew) may potentially benefit from this assist device.
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Multicenter Study
Predictors of a Top Performer During Emergency Medicine Residency.
Emergency Medicine (EM) residency program directors and faculty spend significant time and effort creating a residency rank list. To date, however, there have been few studies to assist program directors in determining which pre-residency variables best predict performance during EM residency. ⋯ We identified several predictors of top performers in EM residency: an honors grade for an EM rotation, USMLE Step 1 score, AOA designation, interview score, high SLOR rankings from nonprogram leadership, and completion of five or more presentations and publications. EM program directors may consider utilizing these variables during the match process to choose applicants who have the highest chance of top performance during residency.
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Observational Study
Urgent Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Testing in Emergency Medicine: A Useful Tool?
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) has recently been introduced among the tests available to the Emergency Department (ED) of our hospital. ⋯ We found a positive impact of urgent TSH determination in emergency decision-making. Nevertheless, a stronger clinical impact could be achieved by improving request appropriateness and by targeting TSH testing to some clinical indications identified by the study. The work was considered a quality-improvement project by the Hospital Committee for Quality Management.
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There have been several studies published regarding family-witnessed resuscitation (FWR), but fewer studies regarding its effectiveness. In FWR, family members are invited to be present during resuscitation efforts of a loved one. This practice is recognized and approved by the Emergency Nurses Association. ⋯ This article represents my professional opinion on the implication and professional recommendation of instituting FWR as standard of care. Education regarding the positive aspects of FWR is urgently needed to improve staff acceptance and promote policies to incorporate the procedure into practice.
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The Emergency Department (ED) is the portal of entry to the health care system for a large percentage of patients. This is especially true for victims and perpetrators of interpersonal violence. Frequently, law enforcement personnel (LEP) accompany patients to the ED or seek access to patients during their ED stay or subsequent hospitalization. The time-sensitive nature of both emergency care and criminal investigation motivates both health care personnel and LEP, and can lead to potential conflicts of interest regarding access to patients in the ED. ⋯ There is a need for hospital policies to govern interactions among patients, emergency health care providers, and LEP in the ED.