Analysis of the characteristics of interconsultations performed by emergency physicians to other hospital specialists and their evolution over time.

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the type of interconsultations carried out in the Emergency Department (ED) to hospital specialists and analyze their pattern over time.

Methods: The study was carried out during the period from 2006 to 2012. It was carried out at EDs attending to all types of interconsultations except pediatrics and obstetrics-gynecology.

Validation of the Ottawa Knee Rules.

Study Objective: We sought to validate the Ottawa Knee Rules for determining the need for radiography in patients with acute knee injury.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in emergency departments of 11 hospitals of the Osakidetza-Basque Country Health Service. The patient population was composed of a convenience sample of 1,522 eligible adults of 2,315 patients with acute knee injuries.

Awareness and use of the Ottawa ankle and knee rules in 5 countries: can publication alone be enough to change practice?

Study Objectives: We evaluate the international diffusion of the Ottawa Ankle and Knee Rules and determine emergency physicians' attitudes toward clinical decision rules in general.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, self-administered mail survey of random samples of 500 members each of the American College of Emergency Physicians, Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, British Association for Accident and Emergency Medicine, Spanish Society for Emergency Medicine, and all members (n=1,350) of the French Speaking Society of Emergency Physicians, France. Main outcome measures were awareness of the Ottawa Ankle and Knee Rules, reported use of these rules, and attitudes toward clinical decision rules in general.