In a previous post, we delved deep into the theoretical underpinnings of Quality Improvement (QI) and its criticality in anesthesiology. We explored how this discipline intertwines with patient care, emphasizing its role in enhancing clinical practices for optimal patient well-being. As we transition from theoretical constructs to practical implementations, we venture into the realm of local hospitals, specifically their anesthesia departments. This is where theory meets practice, where abstract quality metrics translate into tangible …
HIQUIPS: Quality Metrics in Anesthesia Part 1 – The Basics
Introduction to Quality Improvement and Applicability to Patient Care in Anesthesia Continued medical advancement involves refining clinical practices to maximize patient well-being, with Quality Improvement (QI) being a critical method to systematically identify and address care deficits. As integral members of the perioperative care team, anesthesiologists anticipate potential complications and mitigate them through patient optimization. These inherent challenges in anesthetic choice highlight the crucial need for integrating QI into anesthesiology. While historically, perioperative …
The Virtual Emergency Physician: Reducing Medico-Legal Risk and Improving Patient Safety – CMPA
While virtual care has been used in several provinces for decades (1), during the COVID pandemic the use of these models of care increased. Virtual care may be structured in different ways, with differing access points and staffing structures (2). In this article, we focus on the model of the in-person emergency department staffed with nurses with a virtual emergency physician. Some emergency departments have made the difficult decision to close or reduce open hours as …
See (N)one, Do One, Teach One: Barriers in Teaching Cricothyrotomy
“Can’t Intubate, Can’t Ventilate” – a fearsome phrase for all airway providers that necessitates an equally fright-inducing procedure. Cricothyrotomy is an emergency procedure where an incision is made through the cricothyroid membrane and a tube is inserted for ventilation. Although there are percutaneous techniques, this article will discuss surgical techniques which have been shown to produce more favourable success, complication rates of the procedure, as well as address some common fears associated with …
How can artificial intelligence advance emergency medicine? A look at the current state
Nearly two years have passed since OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT, propelling artificial intelligence’s (AI) capabilities into the public spotlight and sparking a technological race to incorporate AI into virtually every field – from computer operating systems, to film writing, to ordering food at the drive-through. Beyond the excitement, large AI models have important pitfalls to pay attention to. Most importantly, the quality of its outputs is directly linked to the quality of its training …
FIRE SAFE: What are the indications for intubation in inhalational injuries?
Inhalational injuries occur as a complication of approximately one-third of burns and may lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not correctly managed.1 Inhalational injury to the upper airway can occur as a result of direct thermal injury, leading to airway swelling and necessitating the need for early intubation for airway protection.2 Inhalational injuries can also damage the lower airways due to exposure to smoke and other chemicals. Respiratory distress may be further …