News
Depletive Fluid Management Strategy During Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation Can Lower VAP Rates
January 7, 2015
Clinical question: What is the benefit associated with a depletive fluid management strategy on ventilator-associated complication (VAC) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) during weaning from mechanical ventilation? Background: VAP is common in the ICU.
News
Limitations of Best Practice Alerts on Curbing Blood Transfusions
January 7, 2015
Clinical question: Why do providers continue to transfuse blood products outside of recommended guidelines, despite best practice alerts (BPAs)? Background: There is evidence that a restrictive approach to blood transfusion versus a liberal approach is beneficial in reducing cost, morbidity, and
News
Peri-Operative Atrial Fibrillation, Long-Term Risk of Ischemic Stroke
January 7, 2015
Clinical question: Is there an association between peri-operative AF and long-term risk of ischemic stroke in patients undergoing any type of surgery? Background: Peri-operative AF is usually viewed as a transient response to physiological stress, and the long-term risk of stroke after peri-opera
News
Lower Health Literacy Contributes to Post-Discharge Medication Errors
January 7, 2015
Clinical question: What patient characteristics contribute to post-discharge medication errors? Background: Post-discharge medication errors are common, but the characteristics of patients associated with those errors are not well understood. Study design: Prospective study with patient data c
News
Use, Interpretation of SpO2 Treatment for Pediatric Bronchiolitis Is Questioned
January 7, 2015
Clinical question: Does artificial elevation of pulse oximetry measurement in bronchiolitis patients during ED evaluations affect hospitalization rates? Background: Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants younger than one year, leading to direct medical costs in the U.S.
Audio
LISTEN NOW: Emergency Medicine and Hospitalist Collaboration
November 13, 2014
This month's podcast features Dr. Ken Epstein, chief medical officer for Hospitalist Consultants, a division of ECI Healthcare Partners; and Dr.
News
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Might Prevent Recurrent UTIs
October 29, 2014
Reviewed by Pediatric Editor Mark Shen, MD, medical director of hospital medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, Texas. Clinical question: Does antibiotic prophylaxis prevent future episodes of urinary tract infections? Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) in children
News
Patients Overwhelmingly Prefer Inpatient Boarding to ED Boarding
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: When hallway boarding is required, do patients prefer inpatient units over the ED? Background: ED crowding is associated with patient dissatisfaction, ambulance diversion, delays in care, medical errors, and higher mortality rates.
News
Surgical Readmission Rate Variation Dependent on Surgical Volume, Surgical Mortality Rates
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: What factors determine rates of readmission after major surgery? Background: Reducing hospital readmission rates has become a national priority. The U.S.
News
Higher Continuity of Care Results in Lower Rate of Preventable Hospitalizations
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: Is continuity of care related to preventable hospitalizations among older adults? Background: Preventable hospitalizations cost approximately $25 billion annually in the U.S.