Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2013
ReviewA primer for clinical researchers in the emergency department: Part V: How to describe data and basic medical statistics.
In this series we address key topics for clinicians who conduct research as part of their work in the ED. In this section we will address important statistical concepts for clinical researchers and readers of clinical research publications. We use practical clinical examples of how to describe clinical data for presentation and publication, and explain key statistical concepts and tests clinical researchers will likely use for the majority of ED datasets.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2013
ReviewReview article: Clinical impact of non-cardiologist-performed transthoracic echocardiography in emergency medicine, intensive care medicine and anaesthesia.
There is increased realisation of the emerging role of point-of-care transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as 'ultrasound-assisted examination', given the low sensitivity of clinical examination for cardiovascular pathologies and the time-critical nature of these pathologies. There is evidence that point-of-care TTE provides higher accuracy in patient assessment and management, with potential prognostic impact by assessing the severity of cardiac dysfunction and response to treatment. ⋯ Recent reports have examined more advanced ultrasound devices and patients in the critical care settings of emergency medicine, intensive care and anaesthesia. The diagnostic capability of new portable devices is improving rapidly and outdating its predecessors, thereby improving confidence in echocardiography findings.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2013
Triggers for head computed tomography following paediatric head injury: Comparison of physicians' reported practice and clinical decision rules.
To compare head computed tomography (CT) triggers for paediatric head injury as reported by senior paediatric emergency physicians in Australia and New Zealand with triggers in published evidence-based clinical decision rules (CDRs). ⋯ High-quality, published CDRs exist for head CT use after paediatric head injury. Physician-reported CT triggers differ from CDR-recommended triggers. The major published head injury CDRs should be prospectively validated in the Australasian setting before incorporating them into local practice and CPGs.
-
The shocked neonate often causes anxiety in the ED. This article aims to provide a systematic, practical approach to recognition and initial management of these patients. ⋯ Practical tips for intravenous access and the rationale behind choice of inotrope and anaesthetic induction agent are discussed. The major underlying causes - sepsis, cardiac disease, metabolic disease and non-accidental injury - along with their investigation and management are considered.