These policies and reports by Urgent Matters are research-based articles written by healthcare professionals in the field on the most innovative policy topics prevalent today. The articles are designed to give a brief but concise explanation on what a particular topic entails, its current role in medicine, and the future innovative improvements or uses of the topic moving forward. These reports are a useful educational tool that other healthcare professionals can use to remain educated and informed about the biggest healthcare issues now. For more information about the policies and reports, or if you're interested in contributing an article, please contact urgentmatters@gwu.edu.
Volume 1, Issue 1: Redefining Frequent Emergency Department Users
Abstract: Frequent ED users are perceived to be a costly population that often abuse or misuse ED services due to a combination of unmet social needs and medical conditions that, in theory, could be treated outside of the ED at a lower cost. The reality is that factors contributing to frequent ED use are more varied and complex than originally believed.
Volume 1, Issue 2: Psychiatric Boarding in U.S. EDs: A Multifactorial Problem that Requires Multidisciplinary Solutions
Abstract: ED visits for psychiatric conditions make up an ever-increasing share of all ED visits. Patients with psychiatric complaints have a significantly greater length-of-stay in the ED than patients with non-psychiatric complaints. Prolonged boarding in the ED for psychiatric patients is associated with lower quality care for psychiatric patients and further contributes to overall ED crowding.
Volume 1, Issue 3: The Role of the HEART score and Clinical Decision Units in ED Patients with Chest Pain
Abstract: Every year, millions of patients present to Emergency Departments across the country complaining of chest pain. Even after traditional ED testing which includes electrocardiograms, laboratory testing, and chest radiography, chest pain patients still have a small but real risk of serious illness. The HEART score is a new tool that has been validated to help risk-stratify patients. Clinical Decision Units decrease cost and length of stay without compromising patient safety, allowing for complete evaluations of these patients.