This book provides a road map for the efficient and successful management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the short stay unit. It describes the problem, defines the measures of successful treatment, elucidates interventions, and supplies the tools for achieving quality care. Organized in four parts, it covers the impact of AF on patient populations; the presentation and management of AF; the transition to the outpatient environment; and systems management. Topics include the economic consequences of AF; cardioversion and cardiac implantable electronic devices in AF management; education of the AF patient and discharge planning; and quality metrics in AF. The book also provides order sheets and process criteria with which institutions can successfully manage the AF patient in the short stay unit, thus optimizing patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and operational efficiencies. Short Stay Management of Atrial Fibrillation is a valuable resource for cardiologists, emergency medicine physicians, electrophysiologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in AF management.

Acute heart failure has relatively recently been recognized as a distinct entity within the continuum of heart failure. Patients with acute heart failure present to the emergency department when they are unable to breathe, and their pathophysiology differs from that of patients sitting in a doctor's office. Medical literature is just beginning to catch up with this distinct and challenging problem. This issue of Heart Failure Clinics should make an important contribution to the literature with its coverage of transportation and EMT services, triage, and specific treatment for patients in acute heart failure, including advanced treatment methods.

Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury provides a comprehensive overview on the selection and implementation of serum-based and saliva-based biomarkers for traumatic brain injury. The book presents an economic analysis for implementing TBI biomarkers into clinical practice. In addition, it discusses the analytical tools needed to implement TBI biomarkers, including specifications for testing instruments and interpretative software. Neurologists, emergency department physicians, intensivists, and clinical laboratorians will find this book a great resource from which to familiarize themselves with the issues and processes regarding TBI biomarkers. Approximately 2 million people in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year with over 250,000 hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths. There has been a significant rise in interest in diagnosing mild concussions, particularly in the sports world. While imaging has been the gold standard, these procedures are costly and not always available. There is great potential in using serum-based biomarkers, hence the book seeks to enlighten readers on new possibilities.

This timely book is a road map for defining the care of acute heart failure patients in the short stay or observation unit setting. Produced in collaboration with the Society of Chest Pain Centers, this book provides an understanding of the diverse medical needs and solutions, administrative processes, and regulatory issues necessary for successful management. In an environment of increasing financial consciousness, medical practice is changing drastically. Short stay care is premier among the new specialties that cater to the complex balance of optimizing patient outcomes while minimizing fiscal burdens. The observation unit has proven to be an excellent arena for the care of acute heart failure, replete with opportunities to improve both medical management and quality metrics. Unique to the field, Short Stay Management of Acute Heart Failure, Second Edition is the only book of its kind, providing the medical, regulatory, and economic tools necessary to create and implement successful short stay management protocols and units for the care of the heart failure patient. It is an essential guide for health care professionals and for hospitals and institutions wishing to be recognized as quality heart failure centers as accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

This book provides a road map for the efficient and successful management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the short stay unit. It describes the problem, defines the measures of successful treatment, elucidates interventions, and supplies the tools for achieving quality care. Organized in four parts, it covers the impact of AF on patient populations; the presentation and management of AF; the transition to the outpatient environment; and systems management. Topics include the economic consequences of AF; cardioversion and cardiac implantable electronic devices in AF management; education of the AF patient and discharge planning; and quality metrics in AF. The book also provides order sheets and process criteria with which institutions can successfully manage the AF patient in the short stay unit, thus optimizing patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and operational efficiencies. Short Stay Management of Atrial Fibrillation is a valuable resource for cardiologists, emergency medicine physicians, electrophysiologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in AF management.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) continues to challenge our health care system in the complexity of presentation and the ever increasing number of patients exhibiting signs and symptoms of an acute coronary syndrome. Written by leading experts, Short Stay Management of Chest Pain provides scientific and clinical insights on the management of patients who arrive at the hospital with a presentation consistent with a potential acute coronary syndrome. Focusing on the cardiology aspects of chest pain, Short Stay Management of Chest Pain is a valuable tool for acute care physicians, nurses, and hospital administrators devoted to caring for this population. Short Stay Management of Chest Pain details the remarkable improvements in diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes for patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndromes.