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
Low-acuity presentations to regional emergency departments: What is the issue?
To explore GP-referrals and self-referrals to EDs and factors associated with patients seeking low-acuity care at ED. ⋯ Over 85% of patients who seek emergency care in this region self-refer, so understanding health-seeking behaviour is important. Most low-acuity patients are acutely injured or unwell, and the decision to go to ED is based on their perception of accessibility of expertise aligned with their need. The term 'GP-type' is misleading in this context and should not be used. Providing low-acuity care in parallel with providing a specialised emergency service meets the needs of the local community and is likely to be the lowest cost model in a regional and rural area. Funding models must reflect the actual cost of delivering this important service rather than presentation types.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2016
Parent perspectives and reasons for lower urgency paediatric presentations to emergency departments.
The age band with, by far, the greatest number of ED presentations is children 0-4 years, with other paediatric age bands also among the highest. As the majority of these presentations are for lower urgency conditions, we sought to determine why parents seek ED care for their child for lower urgency conditions. ⋯ The current magnitude and the growth of lower urgency paediatric ED presentations is a strain on the health care system. Efforts to educate parents regarding the suitability and availability of GP appointments can be the cornerstone of an initial strategy to address this issue. However, efforts to address the high rates of GP referral to EDs for low urgency presentations will be more vexing to develop, yet no less important. They will require addressing fundamental issues in both current GP care for children and the training of GP registrars.