Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2022
Who should provide expert opinion in emergency medicine-related medical litigation?
Expert evidence plays a central role in establishing the relevant standard of care in medical litigation. In Australia, little is known about the expert witnesses who provide evidence about the standard of care provided in ED. ⋯ In the United States, the American College of Emergency Physicians has attempted to address this issue by developing and promulgating expert witness guidelines. Is there a case for the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine to assume an advocacy role and/or develop standards in this area?
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The Tasmanian Trauma Registry began collecting data in April 2020 and in April 2021 the first 12 months' data were submitted to the Australia New Zealand Trauma Registry. In this perspective, we share the lessons we have learned in establishing a trauma registry and acknowledge how important support from the broader trauma community has been in allowing Tasmania to participate in national benchmarking and quality assurance processes.
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Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2022
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes, end-tidal carbon dioxide and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation eligibility: New South Wales pilot data.
To describe on-scene times for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) transferred to hospital, the number of these that were extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) eligible and potential association between end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2 ) and survival so as to inform planned interventional studies. ⋯ Average on-scene time did not differ on survivorship. A small number of transferred patients with OHCA were ECPR eligible. ETCO2 less than 20 mmHg portends adverse prognosis. Our data will be used for future interventional studies.
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Emerg Med Australas · Jun 2022
Exploring nursing and medical perceptions of sepsis management in a New Zealand emergency department: A qualitative study.
Early sepsis recognition and treatment are essential in order to reduce the burden of disease. Initial assessment of patients with infection is often undertaken by ED nurses and resident doctors. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore their perceptions and perspectives regarding the factors that impede the identification and management of patients with sepsis. ⋯ ED nurses and doctors have identified important factors that limit and enhance their capacity to recognise and respond to patients with sepsis. Complex interactions exist between clinical and organisational structures that can affect the care of patients and the ability of clinicians to provide optimal care. The three major themes and specific subthemes provide a useful framework and stimulus for service improvements and research that could help foster future sepsis management improvement strategies.