A task analysis of emergency physician activities in academic and community settings.

Study Objective: We characterize and compare the work activities, including peak patient loads, associated with the workplace in the academic and community emergency department (ED) settings. This allows assessment of the effect of future ED system operational changes and identifies potential sources contributing to medical error.

Methods: This was an observational, time-motion study.

A comparison of observed versus documented physician assessment and treatment of pain: the physician record does not reflect the reality.

Study Objective: The Joint Commission requires "appropriate assessment" of patients presenting with painful conditions. Compliance is usually assessed through retrospective chart analysis. We investigate the discrepancy between observed physician pain assessment and that subsequently documented in the medical record.

An evaluation of emergency medicine resident interaction time with faculty in different teaching venues.

Objectives: To measure actual emergency medicine (EM) resident interaction time with faculty and to investigate the potential to use direct observation as an assessment tool for the core competencies. By 2006 all EM residencies must implement resident assessment techniques of the six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies. Emergency medicine educators recommend direct observation as the optimal evaluation tool for patient care, systems-based practice, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism.