Background: Delirium is a common and costly occurrence in hospitalized patients, particularly elderly patients. Diagnosing delirium can be challenging, particularly given the fluctuating nature of presentation and subtle hypoactive motor subtypes. The Brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) is a delirium screening tool that has been validated for use in the med-surg clinical area. As part […]

Background: Hospitalized patients have trouble identifying doctors on their primary inpatient team. Patients report a lack of understanding among the different roles of interns, residents, and attendings. Studies report improved satisfaction of patients who could recall their physicians' names. This study examines the relationship between patient satisfaction and improved patient education regarding primary inpatient team […]

Background: Delirium is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs in the hospital setting secondary to increased length of stay and poor long term outcomes (1,2). A systematic review of different delirium prediction models found limitations with these models including derivation from small patient populations, lack of heterogeneity, accuracy and reliability as noted […]

Background: Handoffs between care providers present opportunities for communication errors that can adversely affect patient care. Inadequate handoffs have been associated with problems with assessment and diagnosis, medication errors, and decreased patient satisfaction in acute care settings. We routinely use protocols for transfers of care that occur within the hospital that include verbal communication between […]

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 […]

Background: Readmission to the hospital shortly after discharge is common and costly. Reducing preventable hospital readmissions would improve health care quality and reduce costs. New models for providing care during the crucial first few weeks after hospital discharge, when patients are most vulnerable to readmission, are needed. Hospitalist‐run postdischarge clinics can provide continuity of care […]

Background: While delirium may affect patients of any age, delirium initiatives have focused mostly on the elderly, as older patients are more vulnerable to developing delirium. Few studies have reported delirium in patients between 18-64 years of age, mostly restricted to patients with advanced cancer or on palliative care units. There is a lack of […]

Case Presentation: A 69‐year‐old woman with a history of pancreatic cancer and degenerative disk disease was admitted for an evaluation of cholestatic liver disease and 70 pound weight loss. On day two of hospitalization, she developed cholangitis and polymicrobial sepsis. She underwent an ERCP procedure to establish biliary drainage; however, she was unable to move […]

Background: Delirium is a well know post-operative complication that has been shown to increase mortality, length of stay, and post-operative complications. Despite extensive study, there is limited treatment for delirium once it occurs. Emphasis on preventing delirium and identifying patients at risk is an important part of reducing its impact on the individual and the […]