Work

Definition of Expected and Unexpected Deaths in the Emergency Department: A Validation Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Mortality rates in emergency departments (EDs) are estimated at 0.77 to 1.01 deaths per 1,000 inhabitants.1,2 Although many ED deaths occur in high-risk patients, including patients with advanced cancer and chronic organ failure or already receiving palliative care, there is no consensus on how to determine whether an ED death is expected.1-4 A validated and standardized definition could guide research and might help target interventions. This work sought to establish and evaluate a definition of “expected deaths” in the ED.

Source: Annals of Emergency Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2025.04.018

Authors: Karine Alamé, Dorian Teissandier, Pierre-Clément Thiébaud, Yonathan Freund, Anne-Laure Philippon