Invited Commentary
CME Article: Commentary on “Emergency Department Orthopedics Observation Unit as an Alternative to Admission”
Abstract
It is 22:58 on Monday night. You walk into your shift in the emergency department (ED) and are greeted by the charge nurse who tells you, ‘‘We already have 22 holders down here, 11 waiting to be seen, and triage is full.’’ As you chuckle to yourself, thinking, ‘‘There must be a better way,’’ you log onto your workstation and electronic medical record ready to start your night. Perhaps an outpatient observation unit could be that better way.This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.
References
1. Cooke MW, Higgins J, Kidd P. Use of emergency observation and assessment wards: a systematic literature review. Emerg Med J 2003;20:138-142.
2. Ernst AA, Jones J, Weiss SJ, et al. Emergency department orthopedics observation unit as an alternative to admission. South Med J 2014;107:648-653.
3. Trzeciak S, Rivers EP. Emergency department overcrowding in the United States: an emerging threat to patient safety and public health. Emerg Med J 2003;20:402-405.
4. Konnyu KJ, Kwok E, Skidmore B, et al. The effectiveness and safety of emergency department short stay units: a rapid review. Open Med 2012;6:e10-e16.
5. Rydman RJ, Roberts RR, Albrecht GL, et al. Patient satisfaction with an emergency department asthma observation unit. Acad Emerg Med 1999;6:178-183.
