The evolution of the healthcare system in the US carries us toward an exciting future. The ACA, in particular, has brought about a multitude of changes affecting healthcare cost, access, and quality. It remains to be seen how the healthcare system will evolve in the next several years, but we in the ED are well positioned to leverage our skills and capabilities to deliver high quality and valued care in an integrated manner.
Read MorePreviously, in the first of a 3-part series on health policy and the ED, we discussed the health system’s historical development and climate surrounding the development and implementation of the ACA. Here, in Part II, we discuss how the ACA has impacted the health care system in general and more specifically the ED.
Read MoreWe are excited to bring you the first installment of an exciting three-part series focusing on health policy as it impacts the ED. With the collaboration of the illustrious Dr. Seth Trueger, we are planning a deep-dive to understand the health care climate around the time of the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA, or simply, ACA), how the ACA has impacted health care and the ED, and what the future holds, particularly with respect to this nation’s leadership transition. Part 1 explores the history of health care in America and how it lead to the development of the ACA.
Read MoreIn 2012 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, Weingart and Levitan published a review of preoxygenation and peri-intubation oxygenation techniques in the emergency airway management of adult patients. Topics reviewed included the evidentiary support for preoxygenation and denitrogenation, appropriate positioning and patient selection, the utility of positive pressure in select circumstances, apneic oxygenation, as well as a proposed risk stratification approach based on pulse oximetry levels and peri-intubation risk.
A great discussion was had with many excellent learning points, upon which some were elaborated in great detail in the article and some only briefly mentioned. What follows is a brief summary of learning points from the article as well as from the discussion.
Read MoreWhy Should You Care?
SRU (pronounced "shrew") = Shock Resuscitation Unit
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
Training in, and managing, the SRU is one of the crown jewels of our residency. It is where the sickest of the sick patients are found in our ED. It is a crucible, a test of knowledge and strength, and a true manifestation of the tripartite mission of our department: Leadership, Excellence, and Opportunity.
