Articles: emergency-services.
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A core objective of U.S. medical services is to ensure the medical and dental readiness of military personnel. Oral diseases, resulting in pain, infection, or functional impairment, greatly affect the operational effectiveness of military personnel. This study aimed to compare the current causes of dental emergencies and the rates of dental disease nonbattle injuries in a deployed setting with those documented in previous research. Additionally, the study sought to determine if these rates have decreased because of preventive measures or potential improvements in overall oral health. ⋯ The results of this study confirm that dental emergencies continue to be a threat to overall readiness in deployed environments. The primary etiologic factor in the current study was as a result of tooth fracture and/or caries.
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Timely recognition of sepsis in emergency department (ED) is challenging. We evaluated the impact of implementing the biomarker monocyte distribution width (MDW) at bedside, on the time to anti-infective administration. ⋯ Implementing POC MDW measurement in the ED protocols enhances the timeliness of anti-infective administration from sepsis onset, meeting current sepsis management guidelines.
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The COVID-19 pandemic social distancing requirements encouraged patients to avoid public spaces including in-office health care visits. Ambulatory-care-sensitive conditions (ACSCs) represent conditions that can be managed with quality primary care and when access is limited, these conditions can lead to avoidable emergency department (ED) visits. ⋯ This rise in ACSC ED use is consistent with a delay in normal primary care during the pandemic.
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Background and Objectives: The increasing use of whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) examinations, also known as panCT, in emergency departments for trauma patients has raised concerns about potential overuse and the associated risk of unnecessary radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to examine the utilization patterns and findings of panCT scans performed over one year at a major academic hospital. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 531 stable trauma adult patients who underwent panCT scans in 2023. ⋯ Conclusions: This study showed a high rate of negative panCT scans, suggesting potential overuse of panCT. The study results highlight the need for more selective CT imaging approaches in emergency settings. Following evidence-based guidelines and decision-support tools could promote appropriate utilization of panCT scans, reducing unnecessary radiation exposure while ensuring that high-risk patients in emergency setting receive appropriate imaging.