Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2016
Observational StudyAccuracy of QT interval measurement on electrocardiographs displayed on electronic 'smart' devices.
The objective of the study was to compare QT intervals measured on the original bedside electrocardiographs (ECG), facsimile, iPhone, iPad and 17 inch computer monitor. ⋯ The QT interval can be reliably measured using facsimile, iPhone and computer, but not the iPad. However, it varies between doctors. Lead V2 is recommended for QT interval measurement if only a single lead is to be used for clinical purposes.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialDouble-dorsal versus single-volar digital subcutaneous anaesthetic injection for finger injuries in the emergency department: A randomised controlled trial.
The objective of this present study is to compare pain associated with the double-dorsal versus a single-volar subcutaneous injection in the provision of digital anaesthesia for finger injuries presenting to the ED. ⋯ In ED patients with finger injuries requiring digital anaesthesia, both the double-dorsal or single-volar subcutaneous injection techniques have similar pain of injection and success rates of anaesthesia. Single-volar injection appears suitable alternative to the commonly performed double-dorsal injection in the ED.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2016
Observational StudyDischarge timeliness and its impact on hospital crowding and emergency department flow performance.
The objective of this research is to identify optimal inpatient discharge time targets to help hospitals reduce crowding, improve patient flow through the ED and balance staff workload. ⋯ Conventional discharge targets like '80% by 11 a.m.' and others that spread targets across the day to balance staff workload freed up the equivalent of nine available beds for incoming patient flow, significantly reducing time spent waiting for an inpatient bed, hospital LOS and occupancy, and delivering much needed improvements in NEAT performance. While different strategies and workload distributions may suit individual hospital services, the study makes a strong case for improving 'early in the day' discharge timeliness to deliver better ED flow.