Background: Historically, patients transferred from one hospital to another are admitted through the emergency department and then placed on the desired unit at the accepting hospital. This practice creates delays for critically ill patients in need of continuous ICU care. A strategy known as the direct admission addresses this issue. With this strategy, transfer patients [...]

Background: Serum levels of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT) proBNP are measured at admission to assess likelihood of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Pro-BNP, released by myocardium due to cardiac wall distention, is cleaved into the active BNP and inactive NT-proBNP forms. Elevated NT-proBNP levels on initial presentation are a reliable marker of [...]

Background: Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) are a nationwide concern. They have significant morbidity, mortality & for several reasons, such as comorbid psychiatric conditions, medication noncompliance, low income or poor access to healthcare services, have an increased risk of hospital readmissions. Processes aimed at reducing readmission rates in this population are important for improving [...]