Improving efficiency of pediatric emergency asthma treatment by using metered dose inhaler.

: Evidence suggests using metered dose inhaler (MDI) to treat acute asthma in the Emergency Department reduces length of stay, though methods of implementation are lacking. We modified a treatment pathway to recommend use of MDI for mild-moderate asthma in a pediatric ED. : A baseline review assessed discharged patients >2 years with an asthma diagnosis and non-emergent Emergency Severity Index triage assessment (3/4).

Improving Anaphylaxis Care: The Impact of a Clinical Pathway.

Background: Recommended durations of observation after anaphylaxis have been widely variable, with many ranging from 4 to 24 hours. Prolonged durations often prompt admission for ongoing observation.

Methods: In a multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative, we revised our emergency department (ED) anaphylaxis clinical pathway.