Australasian emergency care
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Australas Emerg Care · Dec 2021
ReviewAdult frequent presentation to emergency departments and adverse childhood experiences: a scoping review.
Extensive literature reports the influence of childhood adversity on adult health, however few studies have explored these life antecedents in people who frequently present to the emergency department. This review synthesizes literature exploring childhood adversity influences on emergency department presentations, if and how it is identified, and interventions addressing the health care needs of this group. ⋯ Several studies call for screening, intervention, and education to identify and address impacts of childhood adversity for patients who frequently present to the emergency department. However, reliable high-level studies exploring these topics specific to the emergency department are uncommon. Consequently, definitive interventions to address the healthcare needs of this group is lacking and warrants further research.
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Australas Emerg Care · Dec 2021
Pre COVID-19 emergency department nurses' perspectives of the preparedness to safely manage influenza pandemics: A descriptive exploratory qualitative study.
Pandemics pose significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide and emergency departments are a crucial component in any pandemic response. This study was designed to explore what New Zealand emergency nurses perceive as the major challenges to nursing care and staff safety during a pandemic, and to identify strategies nurses feel are important in mitigating these challenges. ⋯ This study provides a detailed understanding of the concerns emergency nurses hold about working during pandemics. Similar fears for staff and patient safety have been voiced globally during the current COVID-19 pandemic, and it is crucial that emergency departments worldwide develop pandemic plans that address the safety concerns to which fear was attributed.
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Australas Emerg Care · Dec 2021
An initial psychometric evaluation of the APS-POQ-R in acute pain presenting to the emergency department.
The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of a modified version of the American Pain Societies - Patient Outcome Questionnaire - Revised edition in adult patients presenting with acute pain to the emergency department. ⋯ The Questionnaire demonstrated construct validity in these patients. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated five constructs. The tool demonstrated discriminatory ability based on patient urgency, and subscale measurement was associated with patient satisfaction with care CONCLUSIONS: The Questionnaire has demonstrable construct validity in adult patients presenting with acute pain to the ED.
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Australas Emerg Care · Sep 2021
ReviewUse of Virtual Reality for minor procedures in the Emergency Department: A scoping review.
The objective of this review was to collate, summarise and report evidence on the use of VR as an interventional tool for pain and anxiety management during ED procedures. ⋯ A small number of studies involving children undergoing needle insertion in ED found VR to be a safe and effective means of managing procedural anxiety, providing a more effective strategy than standard care. Studies with larger samples, involving different procedures and across age groups are required.
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Australas Emerg Care · Sep 2021
Self-reported incidence of verbal and physical violence against emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Singapore.
Western studies have highlighted alarmingly high rates of work-related violence experienced by emergency medical services (EMS) staff. As there is a paucity of Asian studies, we aimed to investigate the incidence of physical and verbal violence against the EMS crew in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). ⋯ Paramedics may benefit from security escort for clients with history of alcohol intoxication or violence and more teaching on self-defence and soft restraints. Current training and protocols should be revised to meet these needs.