Observation Medicine
Principles and Protocols

This guide to successful practices in observation medicine covers both clinical and administrative aspects for a multinational audience.

Sharon E. Mace (Edited by)

9781107022348, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 March 2017

812 pages, 9 b/w illus.
26 x 18.5 x 3.9 cm, 1.78 kg

'This reasonably priced reference should be in all observation units. In addition to being well written, it comes with excellent illustrations, easy-to-understand algorithms, and a SWOT(strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis for making a business case for observation units. In addition, the eBook version is easy to navigate, featuring a search option and hyperlinked parts, chapters, and references … With an increasing number of emergency department visits, observation medicine is essential to improve patient outcome, reduce costs by triaging patients, and avoid unnecessary admissions by judicious application of the clinical protocols and principles recommended in this book. Observation Medicine: Principles and Protocols comes highly recommended.' Mary E. Arthur, Anaesthesia & Analgesia

Using sample administrative and clinical protocols that any hospital can use, this book gives a detailed account of how to set up and run an observation unit and reviews all medical conditions in which observation medicine may be beneficial. In addition to clinical topics such as improving patient outcomes and avoiding readmissions, it also includes practical topics such as design, staffing, and daily operations; fiscal aspects, such as coding, billing, and reimbursement; regulatory concerns, such as aligning case management and utilization review with observation; nursing considerations; and more. The future of observation medicine, and how it can help solve the healthcare crisis from costs to access, is also discussed. Although based on US practices, this book is also applicable to an international audience, and contains instructions for implementing observation in any setting or locale and in any type of hospital or other appropriate facility.

Part I. Administration
Part II. Observation Medicine
Part III. New Developments in Observation Medicine
Part IV. Clinical
Section 1. Cardiac
Part V. Financial
Section 1. Financial – Coding and Reimbursement
Part VI. International
Section 1. Africa
Part VII. Evidence Basis for Observation Medicine
Part VIII. Protocols
Part IX. Order Sets
Section 1. Adults.

Subject Areas: Accident & emergency medicine [MMK], Anaesthetics [MMB]