Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0495
ISSN: 2161-0495
Paul Dominici
United States
Research Article
Case Series of Overdosed Patients Managed in an Observation Unit
Author(s): Kristen Rizzo, Paul Dominici, Adam Rowden, Jonathan Abraham, Kathryn T Kopec, Henry Swoboda, Milciades A Mirre-Gonzalez, Abdullah Khalid, Kathia Damiron and Chris VillaflorKristen Rizzo, Paul Dominici, Adam Rowden, Jonathan Abraham, Kathryn T Kopec, Henry Swoboda, Milciades A Mirre-Gonzalez, Abdullah Khalid, Kathia Damiron and Chris Villaflor
Background: Observation units (OU) are an increasing aspect of hospitals in the United States. OU provide more efficient use of resources in an increasingly taxed healthcare system. The majority of poisoned patients’ medical issues resolve within 24 hours, making them ideal candidates for an OU. The purpose of this study was to examine the types and safety of overdoses placed in our OU at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, an urban, level one trauma center with 100,000 emergency department (ED) visits annually in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We hypothesized that the majority of patients admitted to the OU do not require further medical intervention or upgrading to a higher level of care.
Methods: The study is a retrospective chart review of patients with ICD-9 codes associated with overdose or poisoning admitted to our OU between 7/1.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2161-0495.1000246