Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Exploring the value, enablers and barriers of being a clinician-coach: A qualitative pilot study of clinician-coaches in emergency medicine.
To explore how clinicians understand coaching and their clinician-coach practice in emergency medicine. ⋯ Fostering a supportive environment for coaching could significantly enhance clinician competence and well-being, healthcare delivery and professional development.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Process and implementation evaluation of a virtual hospital model of care for low back pain (Back@Home).
Low back pain was the sixth most common reason for an ED visit in 2022-2023 in Australia, one-third of these patients were subsequently admitted to hospital. Therefore, we have assessed whether some patients could be diverted to alternate clinical pathways, via admission to a virtual hospital (rpavirtual), and be cared for remotely in their own homes. ⋯ Preliminary findings suggest that this model of care is a safe, acceptable, and feasible alternative to hospitalisation for non-serious low back pain, in a select cohort of patients meeting inclusion criteria. Further data collection will inform whether Back@Home has had an impact on length of stay or traditional admission rates.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Recommendations for developing a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) program in the emergency department: an Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Group advocacy statement.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use is widespread in EDs and throughout those practising medicine. Between institutions and specialities, there is widespread variety and training. With this comes the risk of patient harm and backlash to a clinically useful modality. Our objective is to form a statement that encompasses current published and unpublished guidance for creating and maintaining robust POCUS programs in EDs. ⋯ These recommendations complement existing guidelines and are not intended to replace them; however, we hope to promote discussion and provide reference support for those developing POCUS programs. Implementing a comprehensive and robust ED POCUS program will ensure safe, effective and standardised high-quality POCUS use, with the aim of improving patient care across Australia and New Zealand. Patient safety will be enhanced through effective risk management and quality assurance and there will be consistency in POCUS education, training and credentialing across institutions.
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In recent years, the landscape of disasters, conflicts and terror events has become more frequent and complex. Climate change, armed conflicts, terrorism, disinformation, cyber-attacks, inequality and pandemics now present significant challenges to humanity. Emergency physicians today are likely to encounter ideologically motivated violent extremism or terrorist actions by radicalised lone actors. ⋯ Familiarity with terror medicine principles fosters better communication and coordination, ultimately improving response efficiency and patient outcomes. This review offers a comprehensive approach to understanding terror medicine, defining the concept of 'terror', its significance for emergency physicians, and the known health impacts on patients, healthcare workers and responders. By delving into these aspects, the review aims to equip medical professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of terror-related emergencies effectively.