Emergency Medicine
Article Abstract:
Research on reducing unnecessary use of emergency departments has found that more than half the people coming to the emergency room have not been able to see a private physician and many were referred to the emergency room by a private physician. One study found that the average cost of nonurgent care in an emergency room was no higher than the average cost to see a private physician. Many people visiting an emergency room believe they require immediate treatment and many are marginally literate when it comes to health information. Emergency departments can reduce their costs by using fewer resources. Studies have shown that using decision rules to eliminate unnecessary X-rays of ankle and knee injuries can reduce costs without missing any fractures. Similar rules can be used to reduce the amount of time patients with chest pain but a low risk of heart attack stay in the intensive care unit.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Emergency medicine
Article Abstract:
Emergency physicians have the challenge of treating a variety of patient problems while maintaining their own physical and mental health. Rotating shifts, irregular patient loads, and the medical consequences of societal violence contribute to physician stress. Emergency rooms, which are the health resource of last resort, have become more crowed as medical costs rise. The problem increases as hospitals must limit staff and reduce the number of inpatient and critical care beds. Long waits result in patients leaving before being seen as they are too sick to wait. Treatment discussions revolve around the best treatment for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, the time to use universal precautions to defend against the spread of HIV or other infections and the use of ultrasound for safer, faster diagnosis and treatment.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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