Category: Hospitals

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APPs Can Contribute More in Emergency Departments

On By ModernMedia

A recent study investigated how advanced practice providers (APPs) are being underutilised in emergency department settings.

The study, published in Academic Emergency Medicine concluded that, in comparison to ED physicians,  APPs such as physician assistants and registered nurse anaesthetists, see fewer complex patients and generate less value per unit hour.

The study, which investigates the impact of APPs in the ED on productivity, flow, safety, and experience, is the first of its kind.

However, the study suggests that APPs can be better integrated into EDs, minimising any adverse impact on ED flow, clinical quality, or patient experience. Furthermore, APPs, currently used for low-acuity cases, can add value with independent assessment of critical ED cases.

Source: News-Medical.Net

Journal information: Pines, J. M., et al. The Impact of Advanced Practice Provider Staffing on Emergency Department Care: Productivity, Flow, Safety, and Experience, Academic Emergency Medicine (2020) doi.org/10.1111/acem.14077

Categories : HospitalsTags :

Cash for Medical Intern Posts to be Investigated

On By ModernMedia

The South African Medical Association (Sama) has said that it will investigate claims that changes of intern position at hospitals are being sold for cash.

On Monday, Sama chair Dr Angelique Coetzee said that this violated doctors’ ethical responsibility to provide treatment to patients regardless of whether that location suited the doctor or not.

Students were reportedly prepared to pay up to R100 000 for posts at their hospital of choice.

“We simply cannot have a situation where intern positions are being ‘sold’ for whatever reason. The placement of interns is a difficult process, and many doctors are unfortunately not placed where they want to be. For those fortunate enough to have found placements, to now sell them to the highest bidders is not fair on others waiting for legitimate placements,” Coetzee said.

The trading of posts reportedly takes place over social media platforms and messaging services, including Facebook and Telegram.

“Given the complexities and historical issues with the placement of intern doctors, the current haggling over preferred placements is out of touch with the realities of the situation. And, ultimately, this sends the message that with enough money, certain people are able to buy themselves the placements of their choice, a situation we cannot accept or tolerate,”  Coetzee said.

Source: Sowetan Live