Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2022
Perspectives of emergency department clinicians on the challenges of addressing low back pain in the emergency setting: A qualitative study.
To identify and explore ED clinician perspectives on: (i) why patients with low back pain (LBP) present to the ED and are admitted into hospital from ED; (ii) barriers and enablers they face when providing care to patients with LBP; and (iii) strategies to improve the care of patients with LBP, and associated care processes, in the ED. ⋯ We identified a range of targets to improve LBP management in ED. Clinicians perceived internal and external factors to the ED as influences of ED presentation and hospital admission. Clinicians also reported that patient-, clinician- and service-level barriers and enablers influenced patient management in ED. Strategies suggested by clinicians included improved follow-up options, access to resources and an 'LBP pathway' to support decision making.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2022
Observational StudyMapping haemodynamic changes with rapid sequence induction agents in the emergency department.
Patients intubated in the ED are at an increased risk of post-intubation hypotension. However, evidence regarding the most appropriate induction agent is lacking. The present study aims to describe and compare the haemodynamic effect of propofol, ketamine and thiopentone during rapid sequence induction. ⋯ Propofol was associated with post-intubation hypotension and it is recommended clinicians consider using the lowest effective dose to reduce this risk. Reflecting its perceived haemodynamic stability, patients who received ketamine were more likely to have a higher shock index; however, there was also an association with post-intubation hypotension.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2022
Observational StudyCharacteristics and outcome of patients transported by police to emergency departments under section 351 of the Mental Health Act 2014 (Vic).
To determine characteristics, precipitating circumstances, clinical care, outcome and disposition of patients brought to the ED under section 351 (s351, police detention and transport) powers of the Mental Health Act 2014 (Vic) (MHAV). ⋯ Most patients brought to ED under s351 of the MHAV had expressed intention to self-harm, did not require medical intervention and were discharged home. It could be questioned whether the current application of s351 is consistent with the least restrictive principles of the MHAV, especially as there is no apparent monitoring or reporting of the use of these powers. There were a concerning number of patients with multiple s351 events over a short period.