Background: Sleep disruptions are prevalent among ward patients and are associated with a number of negative health outcomes, including elevated blood pressures and delirium. Overnight vital signs are an especially bothersome disruptor and can deplete crucial health care resources. Although vital sign checks every 4 hours are often routine, there are limited data to support […]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly age-dependent, and with a growing geriatric population, the incidence and prevalence of AF is expected to increase in the United States. As a result, the number of patients at risk of a thromboembolic event due to AF is also expected to increase. Although bleeding associated with mechanical falls is […]

Background: Hospitalists are increasingly participating in the care of orthopedic patients who are known to be at high risk for pulmonary embolism (PE). In September 2010, a hospitalist medicine consult service was started for orthopedic and rehabilitation patients at a hospital specializing in the care of patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The hospitalists are often involved […]

Background: While delirium may affect patients of any age, delirium prevention and management protocols have focused mostly on the elderly, as older adults (>65 years old) are more vulnerable to developing delirium. Delirium has been reported in 19-31% of younger adults during their hospital stay, and 15-56% of older adults.There is lack of literature on […]