April 2010
Pay now, profit later
Initial training, whether it lasts a few days or a few weeks, can make a crucial difference in a hospitalist's long-term productivity and career satisfaction.
Q&A: Answering before the surgeon calls
Did seeing high-risk surgical patients early reduce complications and length of stay?.
Baffled by beta-blockers
For hospitalists weighing whether to prescribe a beta-blocker perioperatively, recent updated guidelines provide some helpful indications, but significant questions remain.
A matter of respect
Disruptive behavior is common in U.S. hospitals, according to a recent survey.
Telemetry unit initiative reduces ED crowding, smooths patient flow
Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta standardized admission and transfer criteria for its telemetry unit.
Seeing the whole picture
An internist sidesteps anchoring and availability to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
Letter from the Editor
For some hospitalist employers, letting a recruit jump right into a new job seems like the best way to learn. Others have found, however, that taking the time to orient new hospitalist colleagues to their work environment reaps dividends down the line.
Shorter physician work week reflects changes in activities
A shorter physician work week reflects changes in activities, one reader writes.
Ruppy: Teaching old dogs new tricks
By focusing on teamwork, communication, and strong relationships, successful collaboration between clinicians and other providers can be achieved.
Clear expectations make better doctors
It would be impossible to tell medical students all the things they need to know to succeed, but our columnist can think of a few easy signs to follow.
Noninvasive cardiac output monitoring
Our columnist describes the strengths and weaknesses of currently available minimally invasive monitors.
Respiratory failure in COPD patients
In some cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it may be appropriate to assign a principal or secondary diagnosis of acute respiratory failure.
Test yourself: Preoperative evaluation
The following cases and commentary, which address preoperative evaluation, are excerpted from ACP's Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program (MKSAP14).