Emergency Department Observation Unit Utilization Among Older Patients With Chest Pain.

Background: Although some emergency department observation units (EDOUs) may exclude patients over 65 years old, our EDOU accepts patients up to 79 years old. We assessed the utilization of our EDOU by older patients (those 65-79 years old).

Methods: We prospectively enrolled emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain.

Mesh pouch pexy in the management of J-pouch prolapse.

J-pouch prolapse is a rare complication after IPAA. To date, limited data exist regarding management of this condition, with most reported cases involving suture pouch pexy. We present our experience and technique with 3 patients who were treated with transabdominal mesh pexy repair.

Prospective evaluation of an ED observation unit protocol for trauma activation patients.

Background: The University of Utah emergency department (ED) observation unit (EDOU) cares for over 2500 patients each year, with a significant portion of these patients being trauma activation patients. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of our EDOU trauma protocol and described patient characteristics and outcomes of trauma patients managed in an EDOU.

Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of all trauma patients admitted to the EDOU over a 1-year period.

EDOU staffing by PAs: what are the effects on patient outcomes?

Objective: An emergency department observation unit (EDOU) opened in April 2006 staffed by physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). This study describes the complexity and outcomes of the EDOU patients to determine the effectiveness of staffing by PAs.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of chest pain and trauma patients in the EDOU from April 2006 through May 2007.