E.D. Opens Area for
Observing At-Risk Patients

When people go to the Emergency Department (ED) for treatment, sometimes it is unclear whether they should be admitted for follow-up care (at greater cost to them) or released to go home (a health risk if their condition worsens). What they really need is to stay nearby for a short time so that health care professionals can make an informed decision about the next step.

Now they can do that, thanks to a new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) in the ED. The eight-room CDU allows physicians and staff to provide close monitoring, assessment and skilled care for ED patients up to 18 hours after arrival.

"Typically, emergency patients are either treated immediately and released or admitted to the hospital, depending on their needs," explains Janice Culina, RN, Emergency Services director. "Some ED patients, however, require close observation and skilled care for a longer time before a decision can be made whether to discharge or admit them. With the option to transfer ED patients to the CDU, high-quality care is assured and patients may be able to avoid the inconvenience and cost of unnecessary hospital admission."

The CDU is initially focusing on chest pain patients who often need extended observation and evaluation to determine the appropriate next steps. In the near future, patients suffering from dehydration, abdominal pain, head injuries, allergic reactions and asthma will be considered for transfer to the CDU.

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