Articles: emergency-services.
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This study aims to assess compliance with medical protocols and outcomes, as well as determine the consistency in clinical practice across different Pediatric Emergency Departments (PED) in public sector hospitals of a low-middle income country. ⋯ The overall mortality rate was 2% in these five emergency departments and the medical protocol was followed in every third patient out of fourth in those three diseases. The survival rate till ED disposition was doubled in those patients for whom medical protocols were followed as compared to those for non-compliant. The majority of PED demonstrated good compliance with standardized practices. However, this study identified areas that require attention and further training, especially early recognition and management of septic shock where compliances seem alarmingly low. Our data analysis indicates that adherence to guidelines has resulted in uniformity in clinical practice and the provision of early evidence-based quality care. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement in ensuring consistent adherence to medical protocols in pediatric emergency settings and thus improving patient outcomes.
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Pediatric emergency care · Sep 2024
Multicenter Study Observational StudyLactate Levels as a Predictor of Emergency Department Revisits in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis.
This study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for unscheduled emergency department (ED) revisits within 24 hours of discharge in infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis (AB). ⋯ Lactate value in infants diagnosed with AB were identified as a potential indicator of predicting unscheduled ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge. The predictive potential of lactate levels holds promise for enhancing prognosis prediction, reducing health care costs, and alleviating ED overcrowding. However, given the study's limitations, a more comprehensive prospective investigation is recommended to validate these findings.
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We implemented a virtual observation unit in which emergency department (ED) patients receive observation-level care at home. Our primary aim was to compare this new care model to in-person observation care in terms of brick-and-mortar ED length of stay (inclusive of ED observation unit time) as well as secondarily on inpatient admission and 72-hour return visits (overall and with admission). ⋯ Virtual observation unit patients used fewer hours in ED and ED observation relative to on-site observation patients. This new care delivery model warrants further study because it has the potential to positively impact ED capacity.