Acute Care of Patients with Moderate Respiratory Distress: Recommendations from an American College of Emergency Physicians Expert Panel.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with respiratory distress are frequently encountered in the emergency department (ED). Efforts to assess, initiate treatments, and stabilize these patients require a systematic and rapid response. Emergency physicians need a comprehensive and efficient approach for evaluating, treating, and managing patients presenting to the ED with moderate respiratory distress. METHODS: The American College of Emergency Physicians convened an expert panel of academic and community emergency physicians, critical care specialists, respiratory therapists, hospitalists, and pharmacists to develop and subsequently disseminate consensus recommendations regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients with moderate respiratory distress presenting to the ED. RESULTS: A digital tool using a consensus-based framework was developed to aid emergency clinicians in diagnosing and caring for patients with moderate respiratory distress. The tool can be employed at each step in the diagnostic and treatment process. CONCLUSION: The evidence-based tool is a practical and freely available bedside instrument for emergency clinicians to diagnose and treat patients with moderate respiratory distress. Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of this approach.