Articles: emergency-medicine.
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Comparative Study
Effect of emergency physician-performed pelvic sonography on length of stay in the emergency department.
To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of emergency physician-performed pelvic sonography (EPPPS) and its effect on length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department. ⋯ Pelvic ultrasound performed by emergency physicians after a brief period of training shortens ED LOS in women in early pregnancy, particularly in those with viable IUPs. This practice appears to be sensitive, specific, and safe.
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For physicians working in emergency departments, optimum management of patients with arrhythmias is an important skill. To assess the learning needs of Canadian emergency physicians with respect to arrhythmias, the members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) were surveyed. The survey assessed perceived learning needs and included 11 scenarios assessing physician knowledge. ⋯ The topic areas ranked most highly by respondents in terms of perceived learning needs were management of ventricular arrhythmias (especially electrical strom), and clinical use of oral and intravenous antiarrhythmic drugs, particularly the clinical use of intravenous amiodarone. The assessment of knowledge showed that the respondents managed most arrhythmias in accordance with published guidelines, although the management of some wide complex tachyarrhythmias was not optimal. These results will be used to guide an ongoing program of continuing medical education.