Turning Concerning Data into Opportunity |
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In every meeting with my VACEP peers, discussion inevitably turns the increasing reliance of advanced care providers in the emergency department and these scope of practice impacts to our specialty’s future. More recently, we also hit on some of the challenges and vulnerabilities laid bare, in both healthcare-at-large and within the emergency department, by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This month, ACEP released Emergency Medicine Physician Workforce: Projections for 2030, a research report (currently in review) reflecting evidence-based data that shows our specialty is facing – for the first time in history – an oversupply of emergency physicians in the next decade. The results are alarming, and give us the first validation of the trends percolating in group discussions like mine in recent years.
Clearly, this information was not unforeseen. But I think the biggest surprise is the degree to which we will have more physicians than jobs in 2030.
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Coming Soon: Substitute Decision Making Algorithm and Medical TDO Guidelines |
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For years, due to the Code of Virginia, emergency physicians statewide have had difficulty obtaining a Medical Temporary Detention Order (TDO) in a simple way when under time constraints. With guidance from the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy (ILPPP) at the University of Virginia, VACEP has for years tried to pass legislation to standardize and simplify the process for EPs. It hasn’t worked.
Last year, we sent a survey to members to uncover data that would help us reform this process, which is inconsistent across Virginia jurisdictions. The data showed there is frustration in the time it takes to call courts (and many of them), the variable process depending on time of day, paperwork, and more. While we continue to work on standards and a simpler process, for now, we want to help ease the process based on the current Code.
To that end, VACEP has been working with the ILPPP over the past few months to create an algorithm to help EPs decide whether they need to pursue a Medical TDO. This algorithm and guidelines for substitute decision making in the ED will hopefully give physicians a clearer understanding on how to manage patients who lack capacity due to psychiatric disease, dementia, or another medical condition. The algorithm and guidelines are under review with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Special thanks to the joint VACEP-ILPPP workgroup on this issue. For VACEP: Joran Sequeira, MD, FACEP, Aubrey Miner, DO, Aimee Perron Seibert, and Randall Myers, MD. For ILPPP: John Oliver, Heather Zelle, Ph.D., and Richard Bonnie.
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Bupe use training removed for EPs |
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This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released new buprenorphine practice guidelines that remove the need for an 8-hour training course previously required to get a waiver to administer the addiction medication. Emergency physicians have cited this training as a barrier to treating more people with opioid use disorders.
The new guidelines exempt emergency physicians and other eligible practitioners from federal certification requirements related to training, counseling and other services that are part of the process for obtaining a waiver (known as the X-waiver) to treat up to 30 patients with buprenorphine.
While the newly finalized guidelines take steps in the right direction for patients and clinicians, there are still barriers to treatment that these guidelines were unable to fully address. Read more at EmergencyPhysicians.org.
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Connect to volunteer needs in Virginia’s free and charitable clinics. Search by keyword, region, or provider category: |
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Apply for the '21-'22 VACEP Fellowship |
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We're reviewing and selecting candidates for the 2021-2022 cohort of the Leadership & Advocacy Fellowship. Join the ranks of VACEP's rising stars and current leaders who have taken their career to new levels with this outstanding mentorship and development opportunity. |
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Help us Meet and Support Pro-EM Candidates. |
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As part of your VACEP membership, we ask every member to "Give an Hour" ($150), or more, to our Emergency Medicine Political Action Committee (EM-PAC/VA).
This year, Virginia is one of only two states holding elections, and we will receive national attention. Elections are running for Virginia's Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. Help us reinforce our message with current and future political leaders. Give to EM-PAC/VA.
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VACEP's 10 Under 10
We've outlined 10 Things you can do in 10 minutes to get more involved with VACEP and ACEP.
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Our 2021 CME Conference sponsors at West Virginia University are hosting a point of care ultrasound (POCUS) course for emergency physicians and other providers at the New River Gorge in Lansing, W.V. Get the details and register at the button. |
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ACEP21 returns, in person, in Boston. Book your preferred hotel in advance without paying anything upfront. |
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Got issues? Share them and join the MSV 2021 Advocacy Summit |
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Medical Society of Virginia
2021 Advocacy Summit
Friday, June 18
1-5 p.m.
MSV hosts an annual event for members to propose ideas for upcoming advocacy efforts. If you have an idea to advance healthcare in Virginia, or are facing an issue that affects the practice of medicine, you are encouraged to submit a proposal to MSV.
Learn more about the event, submit a proposal, or register on their website. The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, May 31 and the registration deadline to attend is Monday, June 14.
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2021 Leadership and Advocacy Conference: It's On, In Person! |
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Have a voice on Capitol Hill! Come together for ACEP's Leadership & Advocacy Conference (LAC) June 25-27 (in person, in D.C.) to celebrate emergency medicine’s accomplishments and continue to work for a better political environment for our specialty and our patients. First-timers will be trained to educate your Members of Congress while seasoned participants will build on your Congressional connections.
Please share this link with your colleagues and encourage them to register.
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VACEP Lit Review: Approach to the cold neonate |
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Here's your case: A previously healthy 21-day-old female presents to the ED with crying. Over the last 48 hours she has been fussier than usual but consoles with feeding and swaddling. She has not had a fever or any infection signs or symptoms. She was born full-term via a spontaneous vaginal delivery. On physical examination she has a rectal temperature of 35.9 degrees C, heart rate of 168, respiratory rate of 36, and oxygen saturation of 100%. She is happily swaddled in a blanket, and her examination is normal.
What is your next step in managing this infant?
UVA Health System emergency physician and affiliated med school associate professor Joshua Easter reviews a study to help you answer.
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Share Knowledge with your VACEP Peers and get published in eNews. |
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We want to create a group of emergency physicians who will work together and regularly submit articles and review and comment on their peers’ work. This is a great way to get involved, keep up to date on the literature, share your knowledge and interests with physicians across the state, and publish. Please reach out to Sarah Marshall or email Josh Easter to take the next step.
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Save the latest important dates, and get involved with ways to Act, Watch, Read, Listen, and Learn about all things ACEP. |
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Virginia College of Emergency Physicians | (804) 297-3170 | E-mail | Website
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