Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2023
ReviewClosing the miscommunication gap: A user guide to developing picture-based communication tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in emergency departments.
To document an illustration-based methodology for culturally safe communication between Indigenous patients and clinicians in an urban ED. ⋯ Co-design methodologies can guide improvements in culturally safe clinical communication with First Nations patients in EDs.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2023
Generative artificial intelligence: Can ChatGPT write a quality abstract?
ChatGPT is a generative artificial intelligence chatbot which may have a role in medicine and science. We investigated if the freely available version of ChatGPT can produce a quality conference abstract using a fictitious but accurately calculated data table as applied by a non-medically trained person. ⋯ ChatGPT or similar programmes, with careful review of the product by authors, may become a valuable scientific writing tool. The scientific and medical use of generative artificial intelligence, however, raises many questions.
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ACEM has endorsed the proposal for an Aboriginal Voice to Parliament in Australia as a means of delivering its objectives to provide culturally safe care in EDs and to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Unfortunately the Voice proposal has become a politically conentious issue. ⋯ This article argues that the claims in the ACEM statement are speculative rather than based on facts. In addition, by taking a position on this complex and controversial political matter ACEM is operating beyond its remit and risks distracting attention from its core mission.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2023
ReviewReview article: Accuracy of emergency physician performed point-of-care ultrasound of the thoracic aorta: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the literature.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming ubiquitous in emergency medicine. POCUS for abdominal aortic aneurysm is well established in practice. The thoracic aorta can also be assessed by POCUS for dissection and aneurysm and transthoracic echocardiography is endorsed by international guidelines as an initial test for thoracic aortic pathologies. ⋯ We suggest that detection of thoracic aorta dilation >40 mm by POCUS at any site increases the suspicion of serious aortic pathology. Studies incorporating algorithmic use of POCUS, Aortic Dissection Detection Risk Score and D-dimer as decision tools are promising and may improve current ED practices. Further research is warranted in this rapidly evolving field.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2023
Impact of COVID-19 state-wide lockdown on older adult presentations to Queensland emergency departments.
To determine the impact of the COVID-19 state-wide lockdown on ED presentations for older adults in Queensland, Australia. ⋯ There was a significant decrease in presentation rates to EDs during the COVID-19 state-wide lockdown for the older population, followed by an increase in presentation rates, longer ED LOS, and an increased ED mortality rate, in the post-state-wide lockdown period. It is important to ensure older adults continue to seek appropriate, timely medical care, during a pandemic.