Standardized Direct Observation Assessment Tool: Using a Training Video.

Background: We developed a DVD training tool to educate physicians evaluating emergency residents on accurate Standardized Direct Observation Assessment Tool (SDOT) application.

Objective: Our goal was to assess whether this training video improved attendings' and senior residents' SDOT use.

Methods: Participants voluntarily completed SDOT evaluations based on a scripted "test" video.

National growth in simulation training within emergency medicine residency programs, 2003-2008.

Objectives: The use of medical simulation has grown dramatically over the past decade, yet national data on the prevalence and growth of use among individual specialty training programs are lacking. The objectives of this study were to describe the current role of simulation training in emergency medicine (EM) residency programs and to quantify growth in use of the technology over the past 5 years.

Methods: In follow-up of a 2006 study (2003 data), the authors distributed an updated survey to program directors (PDs) of all 179 EM residency programs operating in early 2008 (140 Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education [ACGME]-approved allopathic programs and 39 American Osteopathic Association [AOA]-accredited osteopathic programs).

Noninvasive measurement of carbon monoxide levels in ED patients with headache.

Objectives: Carbon Monoxide (CO), the third most common cause of acute poisoning death, is easily overlooked in the emergency department (ED). Nonspecific complaints such as headache, weakness, or malaise may easily result in misdiagnosis. The objectives of this study are to determine the frequency of CO poisoning in patients presenting to the ED complaining of headaches and to determine the feasibility of using noninvasive CO analyzers as a screening tool.