ED management : the monthly update on emergency department management
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Make your staff aware of the resources that are available to them, and create an atmosphere in which they will feel more comfortable to seek help: State physicians' health programs and employee assistance programs offer confidential services. Hold regular staff inservices to create a dialogue about stressful situations and to discuss signs and symptoms of depression. Approach staff members who appear troubled and let them know you are there to help them.
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Eliminating time-consuming processes up front and taking a hard look at how you treat nonemergent patients can yield dramatic results: One ED cut pain-to-first meds in half, cut 30 minutes off door-to-discharge times, and reduced left before being seen rates by about one-third. Having a doc in triage can help speed and ensure appropriateness of advance ordering. If your fast-track process is not meeting its turnaround goals, consider other alternatives such as Mid Care.