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ED health care professionals are at the frontline of evaluation and management of patients with acute, and often undifferentiated, illness. During the initial phase of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, there were concerns that ED health care professionals may have been at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to difficulty in early identification of patients. This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among ED health care professionals without confirmed history of COVID-19 infection at a quaternary academic medical center.This study used a cross-sectional design. An ED health care professional was deemed eligible if they had worked at least 4 shifts in the adult emergency department from April 1, 2020, through May 31, 2020, were asymptomatic on the day of blood draw, and were not known to have had prior documented COVID-19 infection. The study period was December 17, 2020, to January 27, 2021. Eligible participants completed a questionnaire and had a blood sample drawn. Samples were run on the Roche Cobas Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay.Of 103 health care professionals (16 attending physicians, 4 emergency residents, 16 advanced practice professionals, and 67 full-time emergency nurses), only 3 (2.9%; exact 95% CI, 0.6%-8.3%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.At this quaternary academic medical center, among those who volunteered to take an antibody test, there was a low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among ED clinicians who were asymptomatic at the time of blood draw and not known to have had prior COVID-19 infection.

Emergency department (ED) crowding continues to be a major challenge and has important ramifications for patient care quality. One strategy to decrease ED crowding has been to implement alternative pathways to traditional hospital admission. Through a survey-based retrospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the patient experience for those who agreed to transfer and admission to an affiliated community hospital from a large, academic center’s ED. In all, 85% of participants rated their overall experience as either great or good, 92% did not find it hard to make the decision to be transferred, and 95% found the transfer process itself to be easy.

Study objective The effect of urgent cares on local emergency department (ED) patient volumes is presently unknown. In this paper, we aimed to assess the change in low-acuity ED utilization at 2 academic medical centers in relation to patient proximity to an affiliated urgent care. Methods We created a geospatial database of ED visits occurring between April 2016 and March 2018 to 2 academic medical centers in an integrated health care system, geocoded by patient home address. We used logistic regression to characterize the relationship between the likelihood of patients visiting the ED for a low-acuity condition, based on ED discharge diagnosis, and urgent care center proximity, defined as living within 1 mile of an open urgent care center, for each of the academic medical centers in the system, adjusting for spatial, temporal, and patient factors. Results We identified a statistically significant reduction in the likelihood of ED visits for low-acuity conditions by patients living within 1 mile of an urgent care center at 1 of the 2 academic medical centers, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.98). There was, however, no statistically significant reduction at the other affiliated academic medical center. Further analysis showed a statistically significant temporal relationship between time since urgent care center opening and likelihood of a low-acuity ED visit, with approximately a 1% decrease in the odds of a low-acuity visit for every month that the proximal urgent care center was open (odds ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.985 to 0.997). Conclusion Although further research is needed to assess the factors driving urgent care centers' variable influence on low-acuity ED use, these findings suggest that in similar settings urgent care center development may be an effective strategy for health systems hoping to decrease ED utilization for low-acuity conditions at academic medical centers.

Objective Prior data suggest Emergency Department (ED) visits for many emergency conditions decreased during the initial COVID-19 surge. However, the pandemic's impact on the wide range of conditions seen in EDs, and the resources required for treating them, has been less studied. We sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of ED visits and associated resource utilization during the initial COVID-19 surge. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis from 5 hospitals in a large health system in Massachusetts, comparing ED encounters from 3/1/2020–4/30/2020 to identical weeks from the prior year. Data collected included demographics, ESI, diagnosis, consultations ordered, bedside procedures, and inpatient procedures within 48 h. We compared raw frequencies between time periods and calculated incidence rate ratios. Results ED volumes decreased by 30.9% in 2020 compared to 2019. Average acuity of ED presentations increased, while most non-COVID-19 diagnoses decreased. The number and incidence rate of all non-critical care ED procedures decreased, while the occurrence of intubations and central lines increased. Most subspecialty consultations decreased, including to psychiatry, trauma surgery, and cardiology. Most non-elective procedures related to ED encounters also decreased, including craniotomies and appendectomies. Conclusion Our health system experienced decreases in nearly all non-COVID-19 conditions presenting to EDs during the initial phase of the pandemic, including those requiring specialty consultation and urgent inpatient procedures. Findings have implications for both public health and health system planning.

Objective Understanding the pattern of population risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critically important for health systems and policy makers. The objective of this study was to describe the association between neighborhood factors and number of COVID-19 cases. We hypothesized an association between disadvantaged neighborhoods and clusters of COVID-19 cases. Methods We analyzed data on patients presenting to a large health care system in Boston during February 5–May 4, 2020. We used a bivariate local join-count procedure to determine colocation between census tracts with high rates of neighborhood demographic characteristics (eg, Hispanic race/ethnicity) and measures of disadvantage (eg, health insurance status) and COVID-19 cases. We used negative binomial models to assess independent associations between neighborhood factors and the incidence of COVID-19. Results A total of 9898 COVID-19 patients were in the cohort. The overall crude incidence in the study area was 32 cases per 10 000 population, and the adjusted incidence per census tract ranged from 2 to 405 per 10 000 population. We found significant colocation of several neighborhood factors and the top quintile of cases: percentage of population that was Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, without health insurance, receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, and living in poverty. Factors associated with increased incidence of COVID-19 included percentage of population that is Hispanic (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.23-1.28) and percentage of households living in poverty (IRR = 1.25; 95% CI, 1.19-1.32). Conclusions We found a significant association between neighborhoods with high rates of disadvantage and COVID-19. Policy makers need to consider these health inequities when responding to the pandemic and planning for subsequent health needs.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency clinicians on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic experience a range of emotions including anxiety, fear, and grief. Debriefing can help clinicians process these emotions, but the coronavirus pandemic makes it difficult to create a physically and psychologically safe space in the emergency department (ED) to perform this intervention. In response, we piloted a video-based debriefing program to support emergency clinician well-being. We report the details of our program and results of our evaluation of its acceptability and perceived value to emergency clinicians during the pandemic. METHODS: ED attending physicians, resident physicians, and non-physician practitioners (NPP) at our quaternary-care academic medical center were invited to participate in role-based, weekly one-hour facilitated debriefings using Zoom. ED attendings with experience in debriefing led each session and used an explorative approach that focused on empathy and normalizing reactions. At the end of the pilot, we distributed to participants an anonymous 10-point survey that included multiple-answer questions and visual analogue scales. RESULTS: We completed 18 debriefings with 68 unique participants (29 attending physicians, 6 resident physicians, and 33 NPPs. A total of 76% of participants responded to our survey and 77% of respondents participated in at least two debriefings. Emergency clinicians reported that the most common reasons to participate in the debriefings were "to enhance my sense of community and connection" (81%) followed by "to support colleagues" (75%). Debriefing with members of the same role group (92%) and the Zoom platform (81%) were considered to be helpful aspects of the debriefing structure. Although emergency clinicians found these sessions to be useful (78.8 +/- 17.6) interquartile range: 73-89), NPPs were less comfortable speaking up (58.5 +/- 23.6) than attending physicians (77.8 +/- 25.0) (p = < 0.008). CONCLUSION: Emergency clinicians participating in a video-based debriefing program during the coronavirus pandemic found it to be an acceptable and useful approach to support emotional well-being. Our program provided participants with a platform to support each other and maintain a sense of community and connection. Other EDs should consider implementing a debriefing program to safeguard the emotional well-being of their emergency clinician workforce.

Introduction: Central arterial pressure rises to much higher levels during heavy isometric exercise compared to other forms of exercise. For this reason, patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) are often restricted from heavy isometric exercise. Although this approach may be theoretically appealing, no data exists regarding the efficacy of this activity restriction. Methods: Patients between the 12-19 years old with BAV were approached during a routine clinic visit. Patients were excluded if they had a diagnosed syndrome or had undergone a procedure involving the aortic valve. Patients were assumed to have been exercise restricted, regardless of aortic dimensions. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding frequency and intensity of isometric exercise during the 12-month period prior to the visit. We then compared aortic dimensions and qualitative (1-4 scale) estimates of aortic insufficiency (AI) from an echocardiogram performed during the current visit and one obtained 2-5 years previously, using paired t-tests and multivariable regression controlling for age, gender, and participation in isometric exercise. Results: In this unique data set of 37 individuals (41% female, average age 14.8 years), 6 (16%) participated in isometric exercise. There was no significant increase in the aortic root Z-score (0.004 [95 th CI -0.20, 0.21) or in the ascending aorta Z-score (0.11 [95 th CI, -0.15, 0.37], p=0.4) between the first and second visits. Further, there was no differences in the change aortic root Z-score (β=-0.39, p=0.39) and ascending aorta Z-score (β=-0.30, p-0.699) between those who participated in isometric exercise and those who did not. However, although the sample size in this preliminary group of patients was small, the increase in AI severity among those participating in isometric exercise was clinically significant and approached statistical significance (β=0.37, p=0.1). These results did not change even after controlling for age, gender, and time between echocardiograms. Conclusion: Most adolescents with BAV follow recommendations to limit isometric exercise. Time-related changes in aortic dimensions were similar among patients who refrained from isometric exercise and those who engaged in isometric exercise. AI however may have progressed more rapidly in those who participated in isometric exercise.

Patient–provider communication has been recognized as a critical area of focus for improved health care quality, with a mounting body of evidence tying patient satisfaction and provider communication to important health care outcomes. Despite this, few programs have been studied in the emergency department (ED) setting. The authors designed a communication curriculum and conducted trainings for all ED clinical staff. Although only 72% of clinicians believed the course would be a valuable use of their time before taking it, 97% reported that it was a valuable use of their time after ( P < .001). Pre-course self-evaluation of knowledge, skill, and ability were high. Despite this, post-course self-efficacy improved statistically significantly. This study suggests that it is possible, in a brief training session, to deliver communication content that participants felt was relevant to their practice, improved their skills and knowledge, changed their attitude, and was perceived to be a valuable use of their time.

Incident reporting is a recognized tool for healthcare quality improvement. These systems, which aim to capture near-misses and harm events, enable organizations to gather critical information about failure modes and design mitigation strategies. Although many hospitals have employed these systems, little is known about safety themes in emergency medicine incident reporting. Our objective was to systematically analyze and thematically code 1 year of incident reports.A mixed-methods analysis was performed on 1 year of safety reporting data from a large, urban tertiary-care emergency department using a modified grounded theory approach.Between January 1 and December 31, 2015, there were 108,436 emergency department visits. During this time, 750 incident reports were filed. Twenty-nine themes were used to code the reports, with 744 codes applied. The most common themes were related to delays (138/750, 18.4%), medication safety (136/750, 18.1%), and failures in communication (110/750, 14.7%). A total of 48.8% (366/750) of reports were submitted by nurses.The most prominent themes during 1 year of incident reports were related to medication safety, delays, and communication. Relative to hospital-wide reporting patterns, a higher proportion of reports were submitted by physicians. Despite this, overall incident reporting remains low, and more is needed to engage physicians in reporting.

• Entrustable professional activities define the tasks, knowledge and skills expected of a physician.

Background The release of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service's (CMS) latest quality measure, Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1), has intensified the long-standing debate over optimal care for severe sepsis and septic shock. Although the last decade of research has demonstrated the importance of comprehensive bundled care in conjunction with compliance mechanisms to reduce patient mortality, it is not clear that SEP-1 achieves this aim. The heterogeneous and often cryptic presentation of severe sepsis and septic shock, along with the multifaceted criteria for the definition of this clinical syndrome, pose a particular challenge for fitting requirements to this disease, and implementation could have unintended consequences. Objective Following a simulated reporting exercise, in which 50 charts underwent expert review, we aimed to detail the challenges of, and offer suggestions on how to rethink, measuring performance in severe sepsis and septic shock care. Discussion There were several challenges associated with the design and implementation of this measure. The ambiguous definition of severe sepsis and septic shock, prescriptive fluid volume requirements, rigid reassessment, and complex abstraction logic all raise significant concern. Conclusions Although SEP-1 represents an important first step in requiring hospitals to improve outcomes for patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, the current approach must be revisited. The volume and complexity of the currently required SEP-1 reporting elements deserve serious consideration and revision before they are used as measures of accountability and tied to reimbursement.

Background Variability in the management of atrial fibrillation ( AF ) in the emergency department ( ED ) leads to avoidable hospital admissions and prolonged length of stay ( LOS ). In a retrospective single‐center study, a multidisciplinary AF treatment pathway was associated with a reduced hospital admission rate and reduced LOS . To assess the applicability of the AF pathway across institutions, we conducted a 2‐center study. Methods and Results We performed a prospective, 2‐stage study at 2 tertiary care hospitals. During the first stage, AF patients in the ED received routine care. During the second stage, AF patients received care according to the AF pathway. The primary study outcome was hospital admission rate. Secondary outcomes included ED LOS and inpatient LOS . We enrolled 104 consecutive patients in each stage. Patients treated using the AF pathway were admitted to the hospital less frequently than patients who received routine care (15% versus 55%; P LOS was shorter in the AF pathway cohort than in the routine care cohort (64 versus 105 hours, respectively; P =0.01). There was no significant difference in the average ED LOS between AF pathway and routine care cohorts (14 versus 12 hours, respectively; P =0.32). Conclusions In this prospective 2‐stage, 2‐center study, utilization of a multidisciplinary AF treatment pathway resulted in a 3.7‐fold reduction in admission rate and a 1.6‐fold reduction in average hospital LOS for admitted patients. Utilization of the AF pathway was not associated with a significant change in ED LOS .

Patients with asthma have a high incidence of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.To investigate the acute effect of asthma exacerbation on these cardiovascular events.Using population-based inpatient data of 3 geographically diverse US states (Florida, Nebraska, and New York) during the period 2011 to 2014, we conducted a self-controlled case series study of adults (aged ≥40 years) hospitalized with asthma exacerbation. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. We used conditional Poisson regression to compare each patient's incidence rate of the outcome during 3 sequential risk periods (1-7, 8-14, and 15-28 days after asthma exacerbation) with that of the reference period (ie, summed period before and after the 3 risk periods).We identified 4607 adults hospitalized for asthma exacerbation who had a first episode of acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. During the reference period, the incidence rate of acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke was 25.0/100 person-years. Compared with the reference period, the incidence rate significantly increased during the first risk period (129.1/100 person-years), with a corresponding adjusted incidence rate ratio of 5.04 (95% CI, 4.29-5.88; P.001). In the 2 subsequent risk periods, the incidence rate declined but remained high-50.1/100 person-years (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.51-2.48; P.001) and 38.0/100 person-years (adjusted incidence rate ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.20-1.81; P .001), respectively. The findings were similar when the 2 outcomes were examined separately.In this population-based study of adults with asthma, the risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke increased significantly after asthma exacerbation.

Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and ventricular septal myectomy (VSM) are 2 options of ventricular septal reduction therapy (VSRT) for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). We hypothesized that patients with HC who underwent ASA have a higher risk of acute care use (i.e., emergency department [ED] visit or unplanned hospitalization) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than VSM. We performed a comparative effectiveness study of ASA versus VSM (reference group) among patients with HC who underwent VSRT, using population-based ED and inpatient databases in 3 states, 2005 to 2014. The outcome was acute care use for CVD during a 2-year post-VSRT period. We constructed univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to compare the risk during sequential 6-month periods. We also performed sensitivity analysis with propensity score-matching at 1:1 ratio. We identified 850 patients with HC who underwent VSRT, including 393 with ASA and 457 with VSM. During 13 to 18 months after VSRT, there was a nonsignificantly higher risk with ASA than VSM (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 to 3.60; p = 0.14). Patients who had ASA had a significantly higher risk in the 19 to 24 months post-VSRT period (adjusted OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.06 to 4.23; p = 0.03). Similarly, the propensity score-matched analysis demonstrated a higher risk with ASA than VSM during 13 to 18 months (OR 2.97; 95% CI 1.04 to 8.46; p = 0.04) and 19 to 24 months (OR 7.06; 95% CI 2.04 to 24.36; p = 0.002) after VSRT. In conclusion, among 850 patients with HC who underwent VSRT, the risk of acute care use for CVD was higher after ASA than VSM during the second post-VSRT year.

Background Development of emergency department (ED) triage systems that accurately differentiate and prioritize critically ill from stable patients remains challenging. We used machine learning models to predict clinical outcomes, and then compared their performance with that of a conventional approach—the Emergency Severity Index (ESI). Methods Using National Hospital and Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) ED data, from 2007 through 2015, we identified all adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years). In the randomly sampled training set (70%), using routinely available triage data as predictors (e.g., demographics, triage vital signs, chief complaints, comorbidities), we developed four machine learning models: Lasso regression, random forest, gradient boosted decision tree, and deep neural network. As the reference model, we constructed a logistic regression model using the five-level ESI data. The clinical outcomes were critical care (admission to intensive care unit or in-hospital death) and hospitalization (direct hospital admission or transfer). In the test set (the remaining 30%), we measured the predictive performance, including area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) and net benefit (decision curves) for each model. Results Of 135,470 eligible ED visits, 2.1% had critical care outcome and 16.2% had hospitalization outcome. In the critical care outcome prediction, all four machine learning models outperformed the reference model (e.g., AUC, 0.86 [95%CI 0.85–0.87] in the deep neural network vs 0.74 [95%CI 0.72–0.75] in the reference model), with less under-triaged patients in ESI triage levels 3 to 5 (urgent to non-urgent). Likewise, in the hospitalization outcome prediction, all machine learning models outperformed the reference model (e.g., AUC, 0.82 [95%CI 0.82–0.83] in the deep neural network vs 0.69 [95%CI 0.68–0.69] in the reference model) with less over-triages in ESI triage levels 1 to 3 (immediate to urgent). In the decision curve analysis, all machine learning models consistently achieved a greater net benefit—a larger number of appropriate triages considering a trade-off with over-triages—across the range of clinical thresholds. Conclusions Compared to the conventional approach, the machine learning models demonstrated a superior performance to predict critical care and hospitalization outcomes. The application of modern machine learning models may enhance clinicians’ triage decision making, thereby achieving better clinical care and optimal resource utilization. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13054-019-2351-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of emergency department (ED) coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) during a 3-year clinical experience. Single-center registry of coronary CTA in consecutive ED patients with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The primary outcome was efficiency of coronary CTA defined as the length of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints of safety were defined as the rate of downstream testing, normalcy rates of invasive coronary angiography (ICA), absence of missed ACS, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up, and index radiation exposure. One thousand twenty two consecutive patients were referred for clinical coronary CTA with suspicion of ACS. Overall, median time to discharge home was 10.5 (5.7-24.1) hours. Patient disposition was 42.7 % direct discharge from the ED, 43.2 % discharge from emergency unit, and 14.1 % hospital admission. ACS rate during index hospitalization was 9.1 %. One hundred ninety two patients underwent additional diagnostic imaging and 77 underwent ICA. The positive predictive value of CTA compared to ICA was 78.9 % (95 %-CI 68.1-87.5 %). Median CT radiation exposure was 4.0 (2.5-5.8) mSv. No ACS was missed; MACE at follow-up after negative CTA was 0.2 %. Coronary CTA in an experienced tertiary care setting allows for efficient and safe management of patients with suspicion for ACS. • ED Coronary CTA using advanced systems is associated with low radiation exposure. • Negative coronary CTA is associated with low rates of MACE. • CTA in ED patients enables short median time to discharge home. • CTA strategy is characterized by few downstream tests including unnecessary ICA.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the factors associated with first-pass success in pediatric intubation in the emergency department (ED). Methods: We analyzed the data from two multicenter prospective studies of ED intubation in 17 EDs between April 2010 and September 2014. The studies prospectively measured patient’s age, sex, principal indication for intubation, methods (e.g., rapid sequence intubation [RSI]), devices, and intubator’s level of training and specialty. To evaluate independent predictors of first-pass success, we fit logistic regression model with generalized estimating equations. In the sensitivity analysis, we repeated the analysis in children

Background The United States is battling obesity and heart failure (HF) epidemics. Although studies have suggested relationships between obesity and HF morbidity, little is known regarding the effects of substantial weight reduction in obese patients with HF. Objectives This study investigated whether bariatric surgery is associated with a decreased rate of HF exacerbation. Methods We performed a self-controlled case series study of obese patients with HF who underwent bariatric surgery, using the population-based emergency department (ED) and inpatient sample in California, Florida, and Nebraska. Primary outcome was ED visit or hospitalization for HF exacerbation from 2005 to 2011. We used conditional logistic regression to compare the outcome event rate during sequential 12-month periods, using pre-surgery months 13 to 24 as the reference period. Results We identified 524 patients with HF who underwent bariatric surgery. During the reference period, 16.2% of patients had an ED visit or hospitalization for HF exacerbation. The rate remained unchanged in the subsequent 12-month pre-surgery period (15.3%; p = 0.67). In the first 12-month period after bariatric surgery, we observed a nonsignificantly reduced rate (12.0%; p = 0.052). However, the rate was significantly lower in the subsequent 13 to 24 months after bariatric surgery (9.9%; adjusted odds ratio: 0.57; p = 0.003). By contrast, there was no significant reduction in the rate of HF exacerbation among obese patients who underwent nonbariatric surgery (i.e., cholecystectomy, hysterectomy). Conclusions Our findings indicate that bariatric surgery is associated with a decline in the rate of HF exacerbation requiring ED evaluation or hospitalization among obese patients with HF.

The prevalence of back pain is rising, as is the use of high-cost imaging in the ED. The objective of our study was to determine if an MRI in the ED for patients with back pain resulted in a lower incidence of ED return visit and to determine if these patients had longer ED length of stay (LOS) and use of ED observation.A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients seen with back pain was conducted at an urban, university-affiliated ED between 1 January 2012 and 11 July 2014. The association of MRI on return within 7 days was assessed using a χDuring the study period, 6094 patients were evaluated in the ED with back pain as the primary diagnosis. Of these, 797 (13%) received an MRI. Among all patients with back pain, 277 (4.5%) returned within 7 days. Univariate analysis found that patients who received an MRI were no less likely to return within 7 days than patients who did not (4.3% vs 4.6%; p=0.68). Patients who had an MRI were more likely to be admitted to observation (74.2% vs 10.8%; p0.0001) and had a longer ED LOS (median 4.8 hours vs 2.7; p0.0001). Multivariable regression confirmed that MRI did not decrease the rate of a 7-day return visit (OR=0.98; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.42).In patients with uncomplicated back pain, performing an MRI will not mitigate their likelihood of return; however, it leads to a longer ED LOS and more ED observation admissions.

AIMS Studies have suggested relationships between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity. However, little is known about whether substantial weight reduction affects the risk of CVD-related acute care use in obese patients with CVD. The objective of this study was to determine whether bariatric surgery is associated with decreased risk of CVD-related acute care use. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a self-controlled case series study of obese adults with CVD who underwent bariatric surgery, using population-based emergency department (ED), and inpatient samples in California, Florida, and Nebraska from 2005 to 2011. The primary outcome was ED visit or unplanned hospitalization for CVD. We used conditional logistic regression to compare the risk during sequential 12-month periods, using pre-surgery months 13-24 as the reference period. We identified 11 106 obese adults with CVD who underwent bariatric surgery. During the reference period, 20.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 19.8-21.3%] of patients had an ED visit or unplanned hospitalization for CVD. The risk did not significantly change in the subsequent 12-month pre-surgery period [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93-1.04; P = 0.42]. By contrast, in the first 12-month period after bariatric surgery, the risk significantly decreased (aOR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.86-0.96; P = 0.002). The risk remained reduced in the subsequent 13-24 months post-bariatric surgery (aOR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.89; P < 0.001). There was no reduction in the risk in separate obese populations that underwent non-bariatric surgery (i.e. cholecystectomy, hysterectomy). By CVD category, the risk of acute care use for coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and hypertension decreased after bariatric surgery, whereas that of dysrhythmia and venous thromboembolism transiently increased (Bonferroni corrected P < 0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION Bariatric surgery is associated with a lower risk of overall CVD-related ED visit or unplanned hospitalization. The decline was mainly driven by reduced risk of acute care use for CAD, HF, and hypertension after bariatric surgery.

Introduction: Our goal was to assess whether use of a standardized clinical protocol improves efficiency for patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: We performed a structured, retrospective, cohort study at a large, urban, tertiary care academic center. In July 2012 this hospital implemented a standardized protocol for patients with suspected TIA. The protocol selected high-risk patients for admission and low/intermediate-risk patients to an ED observation unit for workup. Recommended workup included brain imaging, vascular imaging, cardiac monitoring, and observation. Patients were included if clinical providers determined the need for workup for TIA. We included consecutive patients presenting during a six-month period prior to protocol implementation, and those presenting between 6-12 months after implementation. Outcomes included ED length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, use of neuroimaging, and 90-day risk of stroke or TIA. Results: From 01/2012 to 06/2012, 130 patients were evaluated for TIA symptoms in the ED, and from 01/2013 to 06/2013, 150 patients. The final diagnosis was TIA or stroke in 45% before vs. 41% after (p=0.18). Following the intervention, the inpatient admission rate decreased from 62% to 24% (p

Background Increasing the value of health care delivery is a national priority, and providers face growing pressure to reduce cost while improving quality. Ample opportunity exists to increase efficiency and quality simultaneously through the application of systems engineering science. Objective We examined the hypothesis that Lean-based reorganization of laboratory process flow would improve laboratory turnaround times (TAT) and reduce waste in the system. Methods This study was a prospective, before-after analysis of laboratory process improvement in a teaching hospital emergency department (ED). The intervention included a reorganization of laboratory sample flow based in systems engineering science and Lean methodologies, with no additional resources. The primary outcome was the median TAT from sample collection to result for 6 tests previously performed in an ED kiosk. Results After the intervention, median laboratory TAT decreased across most tests. The greatest decreases were found in "reflex tests" performed after an initial screening test: troponin T TAT was reduced by 33 minutes (86 to 53 minutes; 99% confidence interval, 30-35 minutes) and urine sedimentation TAT by 88 minutes (117 to 29 minutes; 99% confidence interval, 87-90 minutes). In addition, troponin I TAT was reduced by 12 minutes, urinalysis by 9 minutes, and urine human chorionic gonadotropin by 10 minutes. Microbiology rapid testing TAT, a "control," did not change. Conclusions In this study, Lean-based reorganization of laboratory process flow significantly increased process efficiency. Broader application of systems engineering science might further improve health care quality and capacity while reducing waste and cost.

Background Patientswhoareventilatordependentasaresultofcombinedcervicalspinal cord injury and phrenic nerve lesions are generally considered to be unsuitable candidates for diaphragmatic pacing due to loss of phrenic nerve integrity and denervation of the diaphragm. There is limited data regarding efficacy of simultaneous nerve transfers and diaphragmatic pacemakers in the treatment of this patient population. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of 14 consecutive patients with combined lesions of the cervical spinal cord and phrenic nerves, and with complete ventilator dependence, who were treated with simultaneous microsurgical nerve transfer and implantation of diaphragmatic pacemakers. Parameters of interest included time to recovery of diaphragm electromyographic activity, average time pacing without the ventilator, and percent reduction in ventilator dependence. Results Recovery of diaphragm electromyographic activity was demonstrated in 13 of 14 (93%) patients. Eight of these 13 (62%) patients achieved sustainable periods (>1 h/d) of ventilator weaning (mean ¼ 10 h/d [n ¼ 8]). Two patients recovered voluntary control of diaphragmatic activity and regained the capacity for spontaneous respiration. The one patient who did not exhibit diaphragmatic reinnervation remains within 12 months of initial treatment. Surgical intervention resulted in a 25% reduction (p < 0.05) in ventilator dependency. Conclusion We have demonstrated that simultaneous nerve transfers and pacemaker implantation can result in reinnervation of the diaphragm and lead to successful ventilator weaning. Our favorable outcomes support consideration of this surgical method for appropriate patients who would otherwise have no alternative therapy to achieve sustained periods of ventilator independence.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and obesity are major health problems in the United States. However, little is known about whether bariatric surgery affects AF-related morbidities. This study investigated whether bariatric surgery is associated with short-term and long-term changes in the risk of emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations for AF. We performed a self-controlled case series study of obese adults with AF who underwent bariatric surgery by using population-based ED and inpatient databases in California, Florida, and Nebraska from 2005 to 2011. The primary outcome was ED visit or hospitalization for AF. We used conditional logistic regression to compare each patient's risk of the outcome event during sequential 12-month periods, using presurgery months 13 to 24 as a reference period. Our sample consisted of 523 obese adults with AF who underwent bariatric surgery. The median age was 57 years (interquartile range 48 to 64 years), 59% were female, and 84% were non-Hispanic white. During the reference period, 15.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.7% to 19.0%) of patients had an ED visit or hospitalization for AF. The risk remained similar in the subsequent 12-month presurgery period (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.29 [95% CI, 0.94 to 1.76] p = 0.11). In contrast, the risk significantly increased within 12 months after bariatric surgery (aOR 1.53 [95% CI 1.13 to 2.07] p = 0.006). The risk remained elevated during 13-24 months after bariatric surgery (aOR 1.41 [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.91] p = 0.03). In conclusion, this population-based study demonstrated that bariatric surgery was associated with an increased risk of AF episodes requiring an ED visit or hospitalization for at least 2 years after surgery among obese patients with AF.

Background As the numbers of emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient admissions continue to increase, there is growing interest in alternatives to inpatient hospitalization. Objective Our aim was to investigate a novel approach to expediting discharges from the ED with multidisciplinary discharge services to prevent an avoidable admission into the hospital. Methods This pilot study was conducted at a large urban tertiary-care ED in 2016. All patients presenting to the ED with planned inpatient or observation admission were considered for discharge with enhanced discharge planning services. The patients selected, discharge diagnoses, and outcomes were analyzed by descriptive statistics. This study was approved by the study site's Institutional Review Board, including waiver of patient consent. Results During the pilot period, 57 out of 143 (40%) selected patients with planned admission were discharged with enhanced discharge planning services. Median ED length of stay was 17.2 h and mean patient age was 73 years old. Of these patients, 7 (12%) returned within 72 h and 4 (0.07%) were subsequently admitted to the hospital. Conclusions In this pilot study, a novel approach to expediting discharges from the ED with multidisciplinary discharge services was feasible and resulted in fewer admissions to the hospital.

Objective To determine whether the success rate of repeated attempts at tracheal intubation by a single intubator was lower than those by alternate intubators in the emergency department (ED). Methods An analysis of data from a multicentre prospective registry (Japanese Emergency Airway Network Registry) of 13 academic and community EDs in Japan between April 2010 and August 2012. We included all adult and paediatric patients who underwent repeated attempts at tracheal intubation in the ED. We compared the intubation success rates at the second and third attempts between attempts at intubation by a single intubator who performed the previous attempts, and the attempts by alternate intubators. Results We recorded 4094 patients (capture rate, 96%); 1289 patients with repeated attempts at tracheal intubation were eligible for this study. Among these, 871 patients (68%) had a second attempt at intubation by single intubators. At the second attempt, tracheal intubation by a single intubator was associated with a decreased success rate (adjusted odds ratio or AOR, 0.50; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.71), compared with alternate intubators. At the third attempt, intubation by a single intubator was also associated with a decreased success rate (58% vs 70%; unadjusted OR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.89). However, after adjustment for potential confounders, the association lost statistical significance (AOR, 0.89; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.56). Conclusions In this large multicentre study of ED patients undergoing tracheal intubation, second attempts at intubation by a single intubator, compared with those by alternate intubators, were independently associated with a decreased success rate.

Introduction: While emergency department (ED) crowding has myriad causes and negative downstream effects, applying systems engineering science and targeting throughput remains a potential solution to increase functional capacity. However, the most effective techniques for broad application in the ED remain unclear. We examined the hypothesis that Lean-based reorganization of Fast Track process flow would improve length of stay (LOS), percent of patients discharged within one hour, and room use, without added expense. Methods: This study was a prospective, controlled, before-and-after analysis of Fast Track process improvements in a Level 1 tertiary care academic medical center with >95,000 annual patient visits. We included all adult patients seen during the study periods of 6/2010-10/2010 and 6/2011-10/2011, and data were collected from an electronic tracking system. We used concurrent patients seen in another care area used as a control group. The intervention consisted of a simple reorganization of patient flow through existing rooms, based in systems engineering science and modeling, including queuing theory, demand-capacity matching, and Lean methodologies. No modifications to staffing or physical space were made. Primary outcomes included LOS of discharged patients, percent of patients discharged within one hour, and time in exam room. We compared LOS and exam room time using Wilcoxon rank sum tests, and chi-square tests for percent of patients discharged within one hour. Results: Following the intervention, median LOS among discharged patients was reduced by 15 minutes (158 to 143 min, 95%CI 12 to 19 min, p

Background— Although most research on patients with acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) has focused on readmissions, this may provide an incomplete picture of health-care utilization. We examined the proportion and characteristics of patients with frequent emergency department (ED) visits for AHFS and associated health-care utilization. Methods and Results— A retrospective cohort study of adults with at least 1 ED visit for AHFS between 2010 and 2011 was performed, derived from population-based multipayer data of state ED and inpatient databases for 2 large and diverse states, California and Florida. The analytic sample comprised 113 033 patients with 175 491 ED visits for AHFS. During the 1-year follow-up period, 30.8% of patients had ≥2 (frequent) visits, accounting for 55.4% (95% confidence interval, 55.2–55.5%) of all ED visits for AHFS. In the multivariable model, significant predictors of frequent ED visits were non-Hispanic black race, Hispanic ethnicity, Medicaid insurance, and lower median household income (all P Conclusions— In this large cohort study, we found that one third (31%) of ED patients with AHFS had frequent ED visits for this condition and that minority race/ethnicity and lower socioeconomic status were associated with frequent ED visits. Individuals with frequent ED visits accounted for the majority of ED visits, hospitalizations, and hospital charges.

Object When patients present to the emergency department (ED) with acute headache concerning for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and a lumbar puncture (LP) shows blood in the CSF, it is difficult to distinguish the results of a traumatic LP from those of SAH. CT angiography (CTA) is often performed, but the long-term outcome for patients with a positive LP and normal neurovascular imaging remains uncertain. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether patients who presented to the ED with acute headache and had red blood cells (RBCs) in their CSF on LP but negative cerebrovascular imaging suffered subsequent SAH. Methods A case series study of consecutive adult ED patients who incurred charges for LP between 2001 and 2009 was performed from 2010 through 2011. Inclusion criteria were: headache, > 5 RBCs/mm3 in CSF, noncontrast head CT with no evidence of hemorrhage, and cerebrovascular CTA or MRA without aneurysm or vascular lesion within 2 weeks of the ED visit. Patients with less than 6 months of available follow-up were excluded. The primary outcomes were 1) subsequent nontraumatic SAH and 2) new vascular lesion. Secondary outcomes were complications related to SAH, or LP or angiography. Results Of 4641 ED patients billed for an LP, 181 patients (mean age 42 years) were included in this study. Over a median follow-up of 53 months, 0 (0%) of 181 patients (95% CI 0%–2.0%) had a subsequent SAH or new vascular lesion identified. Although not the primary outcome, there was 1 patient who was ultimately diagnosed with vasculitis. Eighteen (9.9%) of 181 patients (95% CI 6.0%–15.3%) had an LP-related complication and 0 (0%) of 181 patients (95% CI 0%–2.0%) had an angiography-related complication. Conclusions Patients who present to the ED with acute headache concerning for SAH and have a finding of bloody CSF on LP but negative findings on cerebrovascular imaging are at low risk for subsequent SAH and thus are likely to be safe for discharge. Replacement of the CT/LP with a CT/CTA diagnostic algorithm merits further investigation.

A 52-year-old man was brought to the emergency department with chest pain and ST-segment elevation. Seconds after his arrival, cardiac arrest occurred. CPR was begun, and nine external countershocks were administered, without resolution. Management decisions were made.

*Division of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, †Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and ‡Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts Reprint Address:David F.M. Brown, MD, Department of EmergencyMedicine,Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Founders 114, Boston, MA 02114

Objectives The problem of emergency department (ED) crowding is well recognized; however, little data exist on the sustainability of potential solutions, including physician triage and screening. The authors hypothesized that a physician triage screening program (Supplemented Triage and Rapid Treatment [START]) sustainably improves standard ED performance metrics. Methods This retrospective, observational, before-and-after study compared performance measures over 4 years in a tertiary care urban academic medical center with approximately 90,000 annual ED visits. Patients seen between December 2006 and November 2010 were included. Outcome measures included length of stay (LOS) for ED patients, percentage of patients who left without completing assessment (LWCA), percentage of patients treated and dispositioned by START without using monitored beds, and door-to-room time. Descriptive statistics were used. Results Median LOS for START patients was 56 minutes/patient lower when comparing 2010 to 2007 (p

Objectives The study purpose was to determine the optimal use of lumbar puncture (LP) red blood cell (RBC) counts to identify subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) when some blood remains in the final tube. Methods A case series was performed at a tertiary emergency department (ED). Records of 4,496 consecutive adult patients billed for LPs between 2001 and 2009 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were headache (HA), final tube RBCs ≥ 5, and neurovascular imaging within 2 weeks of the visit. Demographics, relevant history and physical examination components, LP results, and neuroimaging findings were recorded for 280 patients. True-positive (TP) and true-negative (TN) SAH were strictly defined. Primary outcomes were the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) for final tube RBC count, differential RBC count between the final and initial tubes, and absolute differential RBC count between the final and initial tubes divided by the mean RBC count of the two tubes (also called the percent change in RBC count). Results There were 26 TP and 196 TN results; 58 patients were neither. The TP group consisted of 19 patients with visible or possible SAH on imaging (17 on noncontrast head computed tomography [CT; 12 definite and five possible] and two on magnetic resonance imaging), six with xanthochromia and a vascular lesion (aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation [AVM] > 2 mm), and one with xanthochromia and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive meningitis. As a test for SAH, final tube RBC AUC was 0.85 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80 to 0.91). Interval likelihood ratios (LRs) for final tube RBC count were LR 0 (95% CI = 0 to 0.3) for RBCs 10,000. Differential RBC count was not associated with SAH, with AUC 0.45 (95% CI = 0.31 to 0.60). However, the percent change in RBC count between the final and initial tubes had an AUC 0.84 (95% CI = 0.78 to 0.90), and the optimal test threshold for SAH was 0.63, with positive LR 3.6 (95% CI = 2.7 to 4.7) and negative LR 0.10 (95% CI = 0.03 to 0.4) for percent change 63%, respectively. This test added additional independent information to the final tube RBC count based on improved logistic regression model fit and discriminatory ability as measured by the LR test and c statistic, respectively. Conclusions Final LP tube RBC count and the percent change in RBC count, but not the simple differential count between the final and initial tubes, were associated with SAH. In this sample, there were no patients with SAH who had RBCs 10,000 increased the odds of SAH by a factor of 6.

Introduction: The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Task Force on Boarding described high-impact initiatives to decrease crowding. Furthermore, some emergency departments (EDs) have implemented a novel initiative we term “vertical patient flow,” i.e. segmenting patients who can be safely evaluated, managed, admitted or discharged without occupying a traditional ED room. We sought to determine the degree that ACEP-identified high-impact initiatives for ED crowding and vertical patient flow have been implemented in academic EDs in the United States (U.S.). Methods: We surveyed the physician leadership of all U.S. academic EDs from March to May 2010 using a 2-minute online survey. Academic ED was defined by the primary site of an emergency residency program. Results: We had a response rate of 73% (106/145) and a completion rate of 71% (103/145). The most prevalent hospital-based initiative was inpatient discharge coordination (46% [47/103] of respondents) while the least fully initiated was surgical schedule smoothing (11% [11/103]). The most prevalent ED-based initiative was fast track (79% [81/103]) while the least initiated was physician triage (12% [12/103]). Vertical patient flow had been implemented in 29% (30/103) of responding EDs while an additional 41% (42/103) reported partial/in progress implementation. Conclusion: We found great variability in the extent academic EDs have implemented ACEP’s established high-impact ED crowding initiatives, yet most (70%) have adopted to some extent the novel initiative vertical patient flow. Future studies should examine barriers to implementing these crowding initiatives and how they affect outcomes such as patient safety, ED throughput and patient/provider satisfaction. [West J Emerg Med 2013;14(2):85-89.]

Objectives There is little information on geriatric emergency airway management. We sought to describe intubation practices and outcomes for emergency department (ED) geriatric and younger patients in Japan. Method We formed the Japanese Emergency Airway Network, a consortium of 11 medical centers, and prospectively collected data on ED intubations between 2010 and 2011. All patients 18 years or older who underwent emergent airway management were included in our study. Patients were divided to into 2 groups: 18 to 64-year olds and 65 years or older. We present descriptive data as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The database recorded 3277 patients (capture rate 96%), and 3178 met the inclusion criteria. Of 3178 patients, 1844 (58%) were 65 years or older, 1334 (42%) were 18 to 64 years old, 809 (25%) were 80 years or older, and 407 (50%) of them were in the state of cardiac arrest. The geriatric group, compared to the younger group, had a higher success rate on the initial attempt (71% vs 64%; difference 7%; 95% CI 4%-10%;) and in 2 attempts (90% vs 88%; difference 3%; 95% CI 1%-5%) or less. There was no significant difference in the adverse event rates by age group (difference 0%; 95% CI −2% to 3%). Conclusion In our multicenter study involving a large geriatric population, we found that geriatric patients were intubated with a higher success rate, compared to younger patients. These data provide implications for the geriatric ED airway practice that may lead to better patient-centered emergency care.

Background Phrenic nerve reconstruction has been evaluated as a method of restoring functional activity and may be an effective alternative to diaphragm plication. Longer follow-up and a larger cohort for analysis are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this procedure for diaphragmatic paralysis. Methods A total of 180 patients treated with phrenic nerve reconstruction for chronic diaphragmatic paralysis were followed for a median 2.7 years. Assessment parameters included: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical functioning survey, spirometry, chest fluoroscopy, electrodiagnostic evaluation, a five-item questionnaire to assess specific functional issues, and overall patient-reported outcome. Results Overall, 134 males and 46 females with an average age of 56 years (range: 10–79 years) were treated. Mean baseline percent predicted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity, were 61, 63, 67, and 75%, respectively. The corresponding percent improvements in percent predicted values were: 11, 6, 9, and 13% (p ≤ 0.01; ≤ 0.01; ≤ 0.05; ≤ 0.01). Mean preoperative SF-36 physical functioning survey scores were 39%, and an improvement to 65% was demonstrated following surgery (p ≤ 0.0001). Nerve conduction latency, improved by an average 23% (p ≤ 0.005), and there was a corresponding 125% increase in diaphragm motor amplitude (p ≤ 0.0001). A total of 89% of patients reported an overall improvement in breathing function. Conclusion Long-term assessment of phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragmatic paralysis indicates functional correction and symptomatic relief.

BACKGROUND Time to antibiotic delivery in patients with diagnosis of pneumonia is a publicly reported quality measure. OBJECTIVE We aim to describe the impact of emergency department (ED) physician-assisted triage (PAT) on The Joint Commission (TJC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) pneumonia core quality measures of timing to antibiotic delivery. METHODS Retrospective case series studies of patients admitted to the hospital through the ED with diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia were identified over a period of 48 months. Patients were included in the study if they met TJC/CMS PN-5 (antibiotic timing) criteria. We compared antibiotic delivery timing before and after implementation of PAT in moderate-acuity patients using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. A linear regression analysis was done to account for age, sex, ED volume, and acuity level. RESULTS A total of 659 patients were identified: 497 patients and 162 patients enrolled pre- and post-implementation of a PAT, respectively. The median antibiotic delivery times for moderate-acuity patients during open hours of operation of PAT were 180min (pre) and 195min (post), p=0.027; this was unchanged when ED volume, age, sex, and acuity level were accounted for. A total of 43 patients (9%) and 13 patients (8%) failed to receive antibiotics within 6h of ED presentation before and after implementation of PAT, respectively. CONCLUSION In this study, implementation of PAT did not result in overall decrease in antibiotic delivery time in patients admitted to the hospital with CAP. We postulate several explanations for this delay in antibiotic delivery time.

Early triage of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with the chief complaint of chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a diagnostic challenge. Elements of the chest pain history are associated with increased or decreased likelihoods of ACS.1 Sensitive troponin assays and initial electrocardiogram (ECG) provide important information in the initial decision.2–4 However, clinical history, a single set of cardiac biomarkers, and the initial ECG alone or in combination cannot identify the group of patients who can be safely discharged without further diagnostic testing. The percentage of patients who present to the ED with ACS and are inappropriately discharged is low (around 2%).5 However, discharged subjects have a two to three times increased risk of dying.5 Therefore, the standard of care for subjects with acute chest pain typically includes serial ECG and cardiac biomarkers followed by a stress test with or without imaging.6–9 The standard work-up decreases the risk of diagnostic errors. However, the complete “rule-out myocardial infarction” protocol is time-consuming and costly. Clinical risk scores (e.g., Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI],10 Goldman,11 and Sanchis12) and triage algorithms are available to predict adverse cardiac events and facilitate the triage decision.10–14 However, the performance of these tools is not optimal.15 Risk scores used for the prediction of future cardiovascular events (e.g., Framingham Risk Score) and risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) have only limited value for the confirmation or exclusion of ACS in the ED.16,17 Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) permits detection of coronary stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque with high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value.18–22 In patients who present to the ED with acute chest pain, exclusion of a significant coronary stenosis and plaque by coronary CTA has a high negative predictive value for ACS.23–32 In contrast, patients with a significant coronary stenosis detected by computed tomography (CT) have a high likelihood of ACS. However, there is a significant proportion of patients in whom coronary atherosclerotic plaque is present, without significant stenosis. In the Rule Out Myocardial Infarction Using Computer-Assisted Tomography (ROMICAT) trial, we observed approximately one-third (113 of 368) of patients with nonobstructive plaque.28 The quantitative assessment of coronary plaque and the combination of coronary plaque burden with clinical risk scores could possibly improve the accuracy for the diagnosis as well as the exclusion of ACS. We determined the association of four dichotomized (low- vs. intermediate- to high-risk categories) clinical risk scores and of the coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden as detected by CT with the outcome of ACS in patients who presented to the ED with the chief complaint of chest pain and inconclusive initial evaluation (negative cardiac biomarkers, nondiagnostic ECG changes), and no history of CAD. We hypothesized that the combination of risk scores and plaque burden improves the discriminatory capacity for the diagnosis of ACS.

Background Physician screening is one of many front-end interventions being implemented to improve emergency department (ED) efficiency. Study objective We aimed to quantify the operational and financial impact of this intervention at an urban tertiary academic center. Methods We conducted a 2-year before-after analysis of a physician screening system at an urban tertiary academic center with 90 000 annual visits. Financial impact consisted of the ED and inpatient revenue generated from the incremental capacity and the reduction in left without being seen (LWBS) rates. The ED and inpatient margin contribution as well as capital expenditure were based on available published data. We summarized the financial impact using net present value of future cash flows performing sensitivity analysis on the assumptions. Operational outcome measures were ED length of stay and percentage of LWBS. Results During the first year, we estimate the contribution margin of the screening system to be $2.71 million and the incremental operational cost to be $1.86 million. Estimated capital expenditure for the system was $1 200 000. The NPV of this investment was $2.82 million, and time to break even from the initial investment was 13 months. Operationally, despite a 16.7% increase in patient volume and no decrease in boarding hours, there was a 7.4% decrease in ED length of stay and a reduction in LWBS from 3.3% to 1.8%. Conclusions In addition to improving operational measures, the implementation of a physician screening program in the ED allowed for an incremental increase in patient care capacity leading to an overall positive financial impact.

Objectives Emergency medicine is increasingly recognized as a medical specialty in Japan. However, comprehensive studies evaluating emergency airway management practice are lacking. We describe emergency department (ED) airway management using a large multi-center registry. Methods We formed the Japanese Emergency Airway Network, a consortium of 10 academic and community medical centers in Japan, and prospectively collected data on ED intubations from April 2010 to February 2011. All patients undergoing emergency intubation were eligible for inclusion. Data were entered in real time by the intubator using a standardized data form. Variables included patient's age, sex, weight, indication for intubation, methods of intubation, drugs, level of training and specialty of the intubator, number of attempts, success or failure, and adverse events. We present descriptive data as proportions with 95% confidence intervals. Results We recorded 1486 intubations (compliance rate 99%). Intubation was ultimately successful in 99.7%. The initial method of intubation varied substantially among the hospitals, including rapid sequence intubation (0–79%), sedation without paralysis (4–88%), paralysis without sedation (0–18%), and oral without medication (12–67%), in non-cardiac arrest encounters. Success rates in first and ≤3 attempts ranged from 40 to 83% and from 74 to 100%, respectively. The overall adverse event rate was 11%, without significant difference by the method used. Conclusions In this multi-center study characterizing ED airway management across Japan, we observed a high overall success rate but a high degree of variation among hospitals in the methods of intubation and success rates.

Background Antibiotic selection made within the first hour of recognition of severe sepsis and septic shock has been shown to decrease mortality. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine what antibiotics are being prescribed and to identify factors influencing ineffective antibiotic coverage in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. In addition, we explore an alternative method for antibiotic selection that could improve organism coverage. Methods This was a retrospective review of emergency department (ED) patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) over a 12-month period with a culture-positive diagnosis of either severe sepsis or septic shock. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was defined as effective coverage of the offending organism based on final culture results. Results Of the 1400 patients admitted to the ICU, 137 patients were culture positive and met the criteria for severe sepsis or septic shock. Effective antibiotic coverage was prescribed by emergency physicians in 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] .74–.88) of cases. Of the 25 patients who received ineffective antibiotics, the majority had infections caused by resistant Gram-negative organisms. Health care-associated pneumonia guidelines were applied to all patients, regardless of the source of infection, and were 100% sensitive (95% CI .93–1) for selecting patients who had infections caused by highly resistant organisms. Conclusion Emergency physicians achieved 82% effective antibiotic coverage in patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The gap seems to be in coverage of highly resistant Gram-negative organisms. An alternative approach to antibiotic prescription, utilizing a set of guidelines for community- and health care-associated infections, was found to be 100% sensitive in selecting patients who had infections caused by the more resistant organisms.