Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
Introduction of the Broset Violence Checklist in the emergency department: A retrospective cohort study.
The Broset Violence Checklist (BVC) can stratify the risk of violence and aggression in EDs. The aim of the present study was to report the initial uptake of introducing this checklist and associations with unplanned alerts to potential or actual violence in two EDs. ⋯ The BVC was highly specific for violence and aggression but had low sensitivity. Completion of the BVC was associated with more frequent unplanned alerts to potential or actual violence events, suggesting that high-risk patients might be identified intuitively, without formal scoring. Further exploration of the utility of the BVC in the ED is indicated with a focus on strategies to prevent violence and aggression.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
Can rotational thromboelastometry rapidly identify theragnostic targets in isolated traumatic brain injury?
Coagulation assessment in traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically relies upon laboratory-based standard coagulation tests (SCTs), including the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), INR and platelet count. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) sigma is an alternative point-of-care assay; however, its role in isolated TBI is under-evaluated. The present study aims to assess the prognostic utility of ROTEM sigma in isolated TBI. ⋯ ROTEM sigma expedites the detection of clinically significant coagulopathy in isolated TBI. EXTEM and FIBTEM CT values are more rapidly attainable than INR and comparable in predicting head injury-related death.
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Over recent years, emergency telehealth has developed rapidly in Australasia. From the patient's perspective, establishing trust with a healthcare provider is uniquely challenging when using the audio and video modalities commonly used in telehealth. ⋯ These include ensuring privacy and an appropriate setting for the consultation; considering how eye contact and expressions are best used; providing alternative options to telehealth; and clearly identifying names, roles and qualifications. We describe how these methods can best be employed in the virtual emergency care setting.
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The present study analyses Oceania's protest and conflict events (2021-2022) to aid healthcare systems better understand the scope of the issue. ⋯ Australia faced pandemic-related protests; Papua New Guinea grappled with tribal violence, posing healthcare challenges. A comprehensive approach emphasising disaster preparedness, regional cooperation and addressing root causes is crucial to bolster healthcare systems.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
Expert consensus on serratus anterior plane block education and credentialing: A modified-Delphi study.
The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is a regional anaesthesia technique with increasing use as an analgesic adjunct in patients with rib fractures. The present study aimed to generate consensus of the requirements of education, training and credentialing for the use of a 'single shot' SAPB in the management of rib fractures. ⋯ This series of expert statements provides consensus on the education, training and credentialling of the SAPB for the management of rib fractures. These serve as the minimum standard by which this procedure should be taught while providing clinicians with a syllabus for the development of training programmes.