Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2023
Management of paediatric acute severe behavioural disturbance in emergency departments across Australia: A PREDICT survey of senior medical staff.
Acute severe behavioural disturbance (ASBD) is a condition seen with increasing frequency in EDs. It poses a significant risk to the patient and those around them. Little is known about the epidemiology or most effective management in the paediatric population. The aim of the present study is to clarify the practice of senior emergency doctors in Australia when managing paediatric ASBD. ⋯ Within Australia, there is considerable variation in paediatric ASBD practice, in particular regarding medication provision. Further prospective research is required to inform best clinical practice.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2023
High-dose vasoactive agents in aeromedical retrievals for septic shock: A role for vasopressin?
To determine the number of patients retrieved by aeromedical teams for septic shock requiring vasopressor support who meet criteria for vasopressin therapy under the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2021 guidelines. ⋯ A sufficient percentage of patients on vasopressors for septic shock require vasopressin therapy to meet current best treatment guidelines, and the inclusion of vasopressin in retrieval drug kits should be considered by Australian aeromedical services.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2023
EVESTA: Emergency VESTibular Algorithm and its impact on the acute management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
To synthesise evidence-based research concerning the assessment and management of acute dizziness via construction of a comprehensive clinical algorithm. Assess its clinical impact with an aim to improve the acute management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) within Wyong Public Hospital ED in four key recommendations. ⋯ Diagnosis and management of acute dizziness is challenging within the ED. Synthesis of best practice into a clinical algorithm has improved the diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of BPPV. There is continued opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in the management of both central and peripheral acute dizziness within the ED.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2023
Prolonged length of stay is associated with reduced hand hygiene compliance in the emergency department: A single centre retrospective study.
To examine whether patient flow factors in the ED such as prolonged length of stay are associated with hand hygiene (HH) compliance. ⋯ The findings show that prolonged ED length of stay may explain, at least partly, lower rates of HH compliance. Improvements in ED HH compliance should also include strategies that enhance patient flow.