Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
Observational StudyAortic dissection detection risk score has high sensitivity with moderate inter-rater reliability.
To retrospectively assess the accuracy and inter-rater reliability of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS). ⋯ The ADD-RS was highly sensitive in our cohort. Further work to evaluate the score prospectively and in combination with a D-Dimer is required.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
Preparedness for treating victims of terrorist attacks in Australia: Learning from recent military experience.
The Australian health system is generally well prepared for mass casualty events. Fortunately, there have been very few terrorist attacks and these have involved low numbers of casualties compared with events overseas. ⋯ To define their experience, they developed the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Guidelines that have saved many lives. It is now prudent to incorporate this knowledge and experience into civilian practice in Australia.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
Observational StudyAccuracy of medication information sources compared to the best possible medication history for patients presenting to the emergency department.
To assess the accuracy of medication information sources available for adult patients presenting to the ED, compared to a best possible medication history (BPMH). ⋯ A combination of sources is essential to determine the BPMH. RCF charts provided the most accurate information. Other sources had two to four regular medication-related discrepancies per patient.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2018
Routine screening and related interventions significantly improve the effectiveness of emergency department detection and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a routine screening and triage tool for alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in improving clinical care delivery in an ED setting. ⋯ Detection and appropriate management of AWS and documentation of alcohol use can be improved significantly through adoption of a brief screening and triage tool, and related interventions to increase awareness of alcohol-related problems.