Michael K. Gould, MD, MS

The authors developed and validated an accurate, well-calibrated, easy-to-implement COVID-19 hospitalized patient deterioration index to identify patients at high or low risk of clinical deterioration.

An investigation of management patterns after initial radiographic diagnosis of small renal masses showed that early urologist referral was associated with guideline-concordant care.

There is no significant association between unfavorable patient satisfaction and opioid reductions for chronic pain, but encounters with unestablished providers may slightly impair satisfaction when reducing opioids.

The authors assessed the effect of provider education and clinical decision support (CDS) on antibiotic prescribing for acute sinusitis. Education and CDS improved antibiotic stewardship and changed diagnosis patterns.

Antibiotics are not required to achieve high patient satisfaction. Patient age, chronic conditions, and an established patient–provider relationship influence satisfaction with acute care.

Acute sinusitis is a common acute illness and offers an opportunity to eliminate low-value care. The authors describe current practices, comparing primary care, urgent care, and the emergency department.