Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2004
ReviewCyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors: do they have a role in emergency department prescribing?
Cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitors (COXIB or CSI) have been released with a fanfare as efficacious and safer alternatives to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They purport to offer equivalent degrees of analgesia and an improved safety profile. ⋯ This review discusses the pharmacology of these agents and reviews recent literature regarding their effectiveness and safety. It endeavours to answer the question 'Should we be using COXIB in emergency departments in Australasia'?
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyMultidisciplinary assessment at triage: a new way forward.
To evaluate a dual doctor and nurse triage system at a tertiary referral hospital. ⋯ We feel that multidisciplinary triage performs a useful function in our department enabling us to reduce waiting times. The process is widely accepted amongst the staff and it ensures a senior doctor assesses most patients. It reduces the number of patients leaving prior to being seen by a doctor and it provides one way of getting around access block and a physically small department.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2004
Workplace factors leading to planned reduction of clinical work among emergency physicians.
There is anecdotal evidence that ACEM Fellows are reducing or planning to reduce their clinical workload. We investigated the extent of, and reasons for, these reductions. ⋯ Fellows are significantly reducing their clinical workload largely in response to excessive workload and lack of resources. These findings have important implications for professional longevity and work force planning. Re-evaluation of workplace practice, especially identified stressors, is indicated.
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To evaluate the psychological health of ACEM Fellows and the important factors that impact on this health. ⋯ Most physicians are psychologically healthy. However, there appears to be a subgroup that is not thriving. Workplace stress should be addressed promptly and greater flexibility provided over hours worked and mix of professional activities.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2004
Compliance with advice and appropriateness of emergency presentation following contact with the HealthDirect telephone triage service.
Evaluation of compliance with advice and appropriateness of emergency presentation following contact with a telephone triage service (HealthDirect). ⋯ HealthDirect contacts were of similar appropriateness to non-HealthDirect presenters and appear to attend the ED independent of HealthDirect advice. HealthDirect has a limited capacity to influence ED utilization or workload.