New multidisciplinary working group focuses on presidential disability

Article Abstract:

The Working Group on Disability in US Presidents is evaluating the strengths and weaknesses in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution. The 25th Amendment provides for the transfer of executive power in the event of presidential disability. Disabled presidents may voluntarily relinquish their power or vice presidents and cabinet members may act to relieve impaired presidents from their official duties. It may be difficult to determine disability in presidents with subtle symptoms of disease that may mildly impair decision-making. In these cases, disability decisions must be based on sound medical information provided by qualified doctors. The president's physicians should play a major role in assessing presidential disability and must balance patient confidentiality with the public's right to know about the president's health.

Laws, regulations and rules, Presidents, Disability evaluation, Presidential succession

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The unrelenting epidemic of violence in America: truth and consequences

Article Abstract:

Physicians and health care workers should discuss the hazards of violence with their patients, screen for abuse and refer troubled patients to counseling. Firearms injuries are increasing. More patients need trauma care and surgery, which can burden the health care system. Between 1968 and 1991, deaths from firearms increased 60% from 23,875 to 38,317. Deaths rates from brain trauma rose 13% from 1984 to 1992. All people in the U.S. are affected by violence. The bombing in Oklahoma City and the O.J. Simpson trial are two examples. Family violence is increasing and causing health risks to women in particular. Women are often not identified as having experienced domestic violence so they can be misdiagnosed and given drug treatments for mental illness.

Injuries, Prevention, Firearms, Family violence, Domestic violence

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Triage of ambulatory patients

Article Abstract:

The staff of hospital emergency departments (EDs) needs to develop effective triage criteria to determine which of the 96 million people who go to EDs in the US each year need to be hospitalized or can be released with minimal treatment. Triage is a way of determining who needs immediate treatment, who can wait and who needs minimal treatment. A 1996 study found that 5% of ED patients assessed as having nonurgent problems were eventually admitted to the hospital. Other researchers have found it hard to properly classify patients using some triage criteria.

Usage, Evaluation, Emergency medical services, Medical care utilization, Ambulatory medical care, Ambulatory care, Triage (Medicine)

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