Introduction: In 2024, the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) announced the launch of a new certifying exam that emergency medicine (EM) residency graduates must pass to achieve specialty certification. To date, there are no comprehensive curricula published in the available literature to aid residents in exam preparation. Methods: In this pre-post pilot study, 44% (24/55) of postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) through PGY-4 EM residents at a single site participated in a four-hour simulated certifying exam curriculum. Learners were asked to complete a four-point Likert scale survey rating self-reported preparedness (very unlikely – very likely) to take the ABEM Certifying Exam, as well as comfort with the ABEM tested competencies, preceding and following the simulation session. Results: Survey respondents (n = 21; 87.5%) reported an improvement in overall preparedness to take the ABEM Certifying Exam, yielding a pre-post mean difference score of +1.2 (1.9 [unlikely] pre to 3.1 [likely] post, P < .001). Additionally, there was an improvement in all ABEM-tested competencies; pre-post mean difference score ranged from +0.5 (3.0 pre to 3.5 post) for patient-centered communication to +1.1 (2.2 pre to 3.3 post) for clinical decision-making (P < .001 for all competencies). Conclusion: Given the critical need, and self-reported improvement in preparedness, EM training programs nationwide could consider incorporating a similar simulation curriculum into their didactic experience to help better prepare their learners for the new ABEM Certifying Exam.

Introduction: In North America, suicide ranks among the top causes of death in individuals 15-60 years of age. In this study we aimed to determine whether an emergency department (ED) presentation for suicidal behaviors accompanied by acute alcohol intoxication was associated with increased six-month suicide or all-cause mortality compared to non-intoxicated presentations of suicidal behaviors. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adults (≥ 18 years) presenting to 16 EDs in Alberta, Canada, between April 2011–March 2021. Suicidal attempt or self-harm was identified via International Classification of Diseases codes, 10th Rev, Canadian Enhancement (ICD-10-CA). Patients were classified as acutely intoxicated if they had relevant ICD-10-CA codes or a blood alcohol concentration ≥ 2 millimoles per liter (9.2 milligrams per deciliter). We excluded patients who died on arrival, were transferred, or were non-residents. The primary outcome was suicide-specific mortality at six months; secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, use of involuntary holds, psychiatric consultations, admissions, and ED return visits. Median differences with 95% confidence intervals and unadjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were reported for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: Among 58,051 suicidal or self-harm patients, 17,488 (30%) were classified as intoxicated. Six-month suicide mortality was similar between intoxicated and non-intoxicated groups (0.3% each; adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio = 0.98 [95% CI, 0.73-1.38]), indicating no significant association between alcohol intoxication and suicide-specific death. Intoxicated patients were more often male (58% vs 52%; OR 1.26 [1.22-1.31]), arrived by ambulance (70% vs 50%; OR 2.32 [2.23-2.41]), and were more frequently placed on involuntary holds (26% vs 16%; OR 1.92 [1.83-2.00]). They had fewer hospital admissions (10.8% vs 15.4%; OR 0.63 [0.60-0.67]), longer ED stays (411 vs 277 minutes; median difference = 134 minutes [127.7-140.3]), and higher ED return rates at 30 days (19.8% vs 18.3%; OR 1.10 [1.05-1.15]) and six months (45.8% vs 42.1%; OR 1.16 [1.12-1.20]). Conclusion: Acute alcohol intoxication among ED patients presenting with suicidal behaviors was not independently associated with higher six-month suicide mortality. Patients with acute alcohol intoxication had increased use of involuntary holds, longer lengths of stay, and more frequent ED return visits. Future work should explore other psychosocial and clinical factors, including substance use and psychiatric comorbidities, that may influence outcomes beyond the acute setting.

Introduction: Seizures are one of the most common neurological presentations to an emergency department (ED), often as a first seizure of life or a breakthrough seizure. There is practice variation regarding the diagnostic workup and management for these patient populations. A standardized pathway for emergent evaluation of first seizure of life or breakthrough seizure currently does not exist, resulting in variability in evaluation and timing of outpatient care. Methods: We created standardized pathways for evaluation and management of patients presenting to the ED with a first seizure of life or breakthrough seizure. These pathways, implemented at a large, quaternary-care hospital system, were utilized on 130 patients presenting with a seizure and compared with all patients with seizure on whom the pathway was not used, between May 2022–October 2023. Outcomes of interest included ED length of stay (LOS), proportion of patients admitted, time to outpatient follow-up, and difference in resource utilization. We compared categorical variables using chi-square test and continuous variables using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Equality of variance between the two cohorts was tested using the Levene test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the percentage of male and female patients evaluated via standard-of-care model (45.6% and 49.5%) and those on the pathway (56.9% and 43.1%). The average age of patients was similar between standard-of-care and pathway groups (41 and 39 years, respectively). Median ED LOS was 5.0 (Interquartile range [IQR] 2.9-9.4) hours for standard of care and 4.8 (IQR 3.1-7.0) hours for pathway (P = .34), with a significant difference in variability in time for pathway group (P < .001). Fewer patients were admitted or observed with pathway use (P < .02). Median time to outpatient follow-up was 41.0 days (IQR 17.0-93.0) with standard of care and 23.5 days (IQR 8.0-57.0) with pathway use (P < .001). More urinalyses (P < .001), drug screens (P < .001), alcohol levels (P < .001) and computed tomography for first seizures (P < .001) were ordered for the pathway group. Fewer magnetic resonance imaging studies were ordered for patients in the breakthrough seizures group using the pathway (P < .001). Conclusion: Standardized pathways to approach seizure presentation in the ED can reduce variability in care, improve time to outpatient neurologic care, and standardize seizure-safety counseling.

Introduction: Over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States, with neurologically intact survival below 10%. Recent literature demonstrates that survival is lower in communities of color and non-English speakers. Social determinants of health, such as healthcare access, language, and literacy, may serve as barriers to receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education and using the skills learned. Current research is sparse on identifying barriers contributing to the lack of CPR education and use in non-English speaking communities. We hypothesized that barriers to CPR education and use differ between English- and Spanish-speaking learners. This study provides insights into how classes could be tailored to address disparities in CPR education and use. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we used survey-based research to assess the knowledge, comfort, and perceived barriers to activating the 9-1-1 system and performing bystander CPR. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling at community-based events in Roanoke, Virginia. We directly compared responses between language groups using Fisher tests within R, adjusting for various demographic factors. Results: We collected 367 surveys from the 550 participants (estimated 50 attendees each for 11 events) for a response rate of 66.7%. Of the surveys collected, 231 (63%) were in English and 136 (37%) in Spanish. Spanish-speakers were more concerned with immigration status (7% vs 1%), doing something wrong (14% vs 7%), and language barrier (31% vs 1%) compared to English-speakers when asked why they may not call 9-1-1. We found that 72% of English-speakers would have no problem calling 9-1-1, compared to only 16% of Spanish-speakers. Regardless of language, the most prevalent barrier to initiating CPR was the “fear of doing something wrong” with 49% of Spanish-speakers and 28% of English-speakers endorsing this as a barrier. Only 10% of Spanish speakers would have no concerns starting CPR, compared to 54% of English-speakers. Language was reported by 21% of Spanish-speakers vs 2% of English-speakers as a barrier to administering CPR. Conclusion: Results of this pilot study highlight that Spanish-speaking respondents were less comfortable calling 9-1-1 and initiating CPR compared to English-speaking respondents. While there were some shared barriers between the groups, Spanish-speaking respondents were more likely to identify a barrier overall. These results suggest that marginalized communities would benefit from tailored educational models that address their unique challenges. Further research is necessary to better understand how social determinants of health serve as barriers to CPR education/use in specific communities.

Introduction: Functional vertigo is commonly missed in the emergency department (ED) and often misdiagnosed as other peripheral vestibular disorders. It is strongly associated with anxiety and depression, yet standardized diagnostic criteria are lacking in the ED setting, leading to unnecessary tests and misdiagnosis. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the Vertigo Symptom Scale - Short Form - Autonomic (VSS-SF-A) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – Anxiety (HADS-A) and – Depression (HADS-D) for distinguishing functional vertigo from other peripheral vertigos in the ED and to determine its prevalence. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational studey of adult patients of a tertiary-care ED with dizziness.. We included patients who received an initial peripheral vertigo diagnosis from attending emergency physicians. Blinded otolaryngologists (ENT) verified all final diagnoses through standardized evaluation methods performed on the same day as the ED visit. We excluded patients with central, metabolic, cardiovascular conditions. Study participants received thorough vestibular evaluations while a separate physician, also blinded to diagnostic outcomes, administered the VSS and HADS tests, which typically require 15-20 minutes to complete. The final ENT evaluation served as the criterion reference for the diagnosis of functional vertigo. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the scales through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: During the study period, 694 patients presented to the ED with dizziness-related complaints, of whom 69 (9.9%) met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Of 69 patients initially diagnosed with peripheral vertigo in the ED, ENT specialists confirmed functional vertigo in 25 (36.2%) and peripheral vertigo in 44 (63.8%). Functional vertigo patients were significantly younger (43.4 ± 16.9 vs 60.1 ± 14.9 years of age, P < .001). In patients with functional vertigo, the mean VSS-SF-A, HADS-A, and HADS-D scores were 9.04, 9.28, and 7.52, respectively, compared to 3.80, 4.18, and 2.91 in peripheral vertigo cases. Conversely, the VSS-SF subscale—Vestibular-Balance (VSS-SF-V)—scores were higher in peripheral vertigo patients (13.05 vs 6.56), all P < .001. The ROC analysis showed that VSS-SF-A (cutoff ≥ 8, area under the curve [AUC] 0.85, 95% CI, 0.76-0.94) had the highest accuracy for diagnosing functional vertigo, with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 84.1%, followed by the HADS-A (cutoff ≥ 8, AUC = 0.81, 95% CI, 0.70-0.91), which had a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 88.6%, while HADS-D (cutoff ≥ 4, AUC = 0.80 95% CI, 0.60-0.90) showed 76% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Conclusion: Functional vertigo is an underdiagnosed condition that produces dizziness in patients. The Vertigo Symptom Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale show promise for enhancing early diagnosis while reducing unnecessary imaging and improving patient care. Future research is needed to confirm these findings through larger multicenter cohorts.

Introduction: In this study we sought to to assess the extent to which emergency physicians adhered to an institutional protocol for rapid chest pain assessment that incorporates a high sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) assay. We also sought to characterize clinical outcomes stratified by protocol adherence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all adult patients presenting to five major metropolitan hospital emergency departments (ED) with suspected cardiac chest pain who had at least one troponin measured. The study period was November 9, 2020–June 20, 2022. The primary outcome was protocol adherence for indeterminate-risk and high-risk patients, as defined by the protocol in use at the time of each patient’s presentation to hospital. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) are reported with associated 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 14,027 patients were included in the study, among whom 8,962 (63.9%) were classified as low risk, 4,064 (29.0%) as indeterminate risk, and 1,001 (7.1%) who were in the high-risk/rule-in group. Overall, 35.9% of patients had care that adhered to the chest pain pathway protocol—22.1% of indeterminate-risk patients and 91.6% of high-risk/rule-in patients. Protocol adherence among indeterminate-risk patients was 6.6% when the initial troponin was in the range of 4-19 nanograms per liter (ng/L) and 75.4% for initial troponin levels 20-99 ng/L. Male sex was most strongly associated with protocol adherence; among those receiving adherent care, 65.8% were male compared to 34.2% female (aOR 1.67; 95% CI, 1.46-1.91). Patients in the non-adherent group with an initial troponin 4-19 ng/L experienced a significantly higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (4.5% vs 1.7%, P < .001), compared to those in the low-risk group. Conclusion: Adherence to proposed assessment protocols for patients presenting to the ED with chest pain was low. This lack of adherence appears to disproportionally affect females and is associated with poor outcomes. Improving adherence to evidence-based guidelines in this setting is urgently needed.

Introduction: First-generation antihistamines are frequently used in the emergency department (ED) but are discouraged in older adults due to increased adverse drug effects. Whether concerns about adverse drug effects apply to the ED is uncertain, as ED-specific data are limited, and risks with single-dose administration may differ from risks with chronic use. In this study we assessed frequency of use, adverse drug effects, and indications of first-generation antihistamines administered to older adults during ED visits. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified adults ≥ 65 years of age who received first?generation antihistamines from January 1–December 31, 2022 in the ED at a single, urban, academic medical center. Abstractors blinded to study hypotheses identified indications for use and adverse effects through chart review. Indications other than severe allergic reactions and continuation of home use were classified as potentially inappropriate. We evaluated sex, age ≥ 85, history of cognitive impairment, drug received, and number of doses for association with adverse drug effects by regression analysis. Results: First-generation antihistamines were administered in 261 encounters (3% of geriatric ED encounters). Median patient age was 71 (range 65-107, interquartile range [IQR] 67-77) and 60.5% were female. Adverse drug effects occurred in 15% of encounters, with delirium (n = 20, 7.7%) and urinary retention (n = 11, 4.2%) being the most common. On multivariate analysis, patient age ≥ 85, history of cognitive impairment, and receipt of multiple doses were associated with elevated risk of adverse drug effects, with risk ratios of 5.5 (95% CI, 2.7-11.4), 3.1 (95% CI, 1.8-5.4), and 1.9 (95% CI, 1.1-3.6), respectively. Indications were classified as potentially inappropriate in 92% of encounters. Diphenhydramine was most used in patients with headache (n = 53, 30.1% of doses) and history of iodinated contrast media reaction (n = 46, 26.1% of doses), while hydroxyzine was most used for anxiety (n = 51, 60% of doses). The kappa value between abstractors was 0.84, indicating excellent agreement. Conclusion: Emergency department use of first-generation antihistamines in older adults, especially those ≥ 85 years of age and with prior cognitive impairment, was associated with infrequent but clinically significant harm. Most use was potentially inappropriate. Prophylactic use of diphenhydramine for patients with a prior reaction to iodinated contrast media emerged as a common indication.