ED Management articles from February 2005

ED Management archives from February 2005

'Blue man' throws ED into divert, cause remains unknown for 9 hours: despite preparation, training, manuals, event teaches valuable lessons.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary Don't ever assume your disaster plan is completed; continual review is essential. * Make sure all ED staff, greeters, and patient reps know where your decontamination facilities are. * Wherever possible, avoid...

Unknown substance: when do you shut down?
February 1, 2005... When a patient presents at your ED with exposure to a potentially hazardous, but unknown substance, under what conditions do you shut down or limit operations? And what can you do to minimize your department's downtime? Emergency medicine...

Uninsured children: an untapped revenue source? ED enrollment expands services to young patients.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary Simple procedures and staff changes can yield new benefits to your department and hospital's bottom line. * Simply handing out application forms can increase child enrollment by approximately 14%. * Hiring a new,...

Saving lives is more than 'virtual' with teletrauma: system adds value by eliminating some transfers.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary Hooking up your ED to a regional system enhances the care your staff can give patients. * With cameras and computers to guide distant experts, invaluable consults become possible. * The number of patients who...

Paperless system solves problem of lost chart costs: patient complaints now are handled in minutes.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary Before going paperless, know what you're looking for and what the expected benefits are. * The most technologically advanced system in the world is worthless if your doctors can't use it. * The system will have...

'15-30' commitment key to reduced wait times: added personnel, equipment speed patient flow.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary Approach throughput as a continuous process. Explore all possible avenues for improvement. * Adding another triage nurse and physician during peak hours can enhance fast-track care. * The acquisition of...

It's not over: prepare for a strange flu season.
February 1, 2005... This year is a wild card, and anything still could happen. First, we had a dangerous shortage of influenza vaccine, followed by many high-risk people who couldn't get or decided to forgo immunization. Fortunately, this has been a mild flu...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2005... In our November 2004 issue, in an article titled, "Focus on process slashes average cycle time by 37%," the correct title of the hospital parent system is North Shore--Long Island Jewish Health System. In addition, GE Healthcare is located in...

CE/CME questions.
February 1, 2005... 25. According to Kathy J. Rinnert, MD, MPH, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, a negative pressure room may be as desirable as an external decon facility if: A. You know what substance a patient has been exposed to. B. It...

If the Joint Commission surveyor doesn't understand how your ED is compliant, what should you do? You can win disagreements with surveyors--here's how.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary You can disagree with a surveyor, but the disagreement should be handled privately and calmly. * If what the surveyor is saying doesn't make sense, say, "Help me understand." Ask if it is a suggestion or a deviation...

Surveyors scrutinize patient rights compliance: pain management is just one focal point.
February 1, 2005... Executive Summary EDs have several areas where they can fail to comply with patient rights standards. * Include pain assessment on the delayed nurse report, and reassess for pain. * A patient rights statement must be given to all...

Topics announced for random surveys.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Random unannounced surveys conducted in 005 by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations will focus on these fixed areas in hospitals: * assessment and care/service; * infection control; * patient safety....