Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jul 2024
Growing burden of gamma-hydroxybutyrate intoxication on emergency department resource utilisation.
Recreational gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use is rising in Australia. We aimed to describe ED presentation patterns related to GHB over time and the impact this has on ED resource use. ⋯ GHB presentations to ED are rising and the impact on acute bed space and clinical resources is significant.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jul 2024
Australia's first cardiac emergency department: Patient profile, activity and performance in the initial 6 months.
To profile the initial 6-month experience at the Victorian Heart Hospital (VHH) cardiac emergency (CE). The primary objective was to describe VHH CE patient characteristics, including presenting complaint, final diagnosis and disposition. Secondary objectives were to report on patient numbers, patient source and quality indicator performance including ambulance off-load by 40 min, waiting time and length of stay (LOS). ⋯ The population predominantly had cardiovascular disease as expected. Some performance indicators, including ED LOS, were identified as requiring intervention.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jul 2024
Navigating competing tensions: A qualitative study of experiences and perceptions of leadership among emergency medicine doctors.
Emergency medicine (EM) doctors are often required to manage a diverse set of complex challenges; navigating direct patient care, systemic issues and inter-professional interactions. Leadership is well recognised as crucial in optimising both the delivery and the quality of patient care. There is a clear need to gain greater understanding of the reality of EM leadership through exploring doctors' experience and perception of leadership in EM, yet there is a paucity of research focusing on this area. The objective of the present study was to explore the research question: 'What are the experiences and perceptions of leadership by EM doctors?' ⋯ Leadership within the ED is complex and multifaceted, with doctors required to navigate many competing tensions. The present study highlighted key areas for future leadership development, including situational awareness, emotional intelligence and a fluid approach to leadership styles. The present study provides an important step towards enhancing the development of targeted leadership training for EM doctors.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Jul 2024
Assessing the predictors for paediatric intensive care unit for inter-hospital transfer patients on high-flow nasal cannula or continuous positive airway pressure ventilation at a tertiary Australian paediatric hospital.
The aim of the present study was to assess the predictors of need for paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission for inter-hospital transfer patients to a tertiary paediatric hospital ED on high flow (HF) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation. ⋯ We have demonstrated that children who require CPAP to manage their respiratory disease are more likely to require PICU care on transfer to the tertiary paediatric hospital. In addition, those patients being transferred from secondary metropolitan hospitals after a trial of HF are also likely to require PICU care. This suggests that these patients should be directly admitted to PICU, allowing for improved patient experience and flow as well as reducing unnecessary ED resource utilisation.