Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2021
'I'm not in GP pain, I'm in hospital pain': Qualitative study regarding patient decision-making factors in seeking care in the emergency department with non-specific low back pain.
To investigate factors contributing to the decision for a working age adult experiencing non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) to seek care at an Australian metropolitan tertiary ED. ⋯ Patient beliefs about NSLBP are important drivers of ED care seeking. Evidence-based guidelines recommend screening for red flags and then addressing pain and disability through engagement with patient concerns and providing a management plan/pathway. In the ED setting, addressing the anxieties of these patients and re-interpreting the significance of their pain may be a path to providing time efficient high-value care.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2021
Fever phobia in caregivers presenting to New Zealand emergency departments.
To determine the prevalence of fever phobia among caregivers of children presenting to New Zealand EDs. ⋯ Fever phobia is prevalent among caregivers of children presenting to New Zealand EDs. Opportunistic caregiver education in the ED in conjunction with public health strategies are needed to dispel undue fears and misconceptions about fever.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2021
Blood alcohol screening and outcomes in trauma team activation patients at a level 1 trauma centre in New Zealand.
A causal relationship between alcohol consumption and injury exists and the prevalence of harmful alcohol intakes in New Zealand adults is high. The present study investigates compliance to blood alcohol (BA) screening policy and the epidemiological profile and hospital-related outcomes of trauma team activation (TTA) patients with positive BA at a New Zealand level 1 trauma centre. ⋯ Between 2012 and 2019, Waikato Hospital demonstrated high compliance to BA screening policy for TTA patients. Appropriate alcohol awareness initiatives that focus on road safety and interpersonal violence are required to reduce the preventable prevalence and burden of alcohol-related trauma in the Waikato region.
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Australia is rapidly moving towards 'living with COVID-19', with relaxation of some public health measures. The number of severe cases of COVID-19 may be mitigated by vaccination, but 'living with COVID-19' will be associated with higher number of patients seeking emergency care. This impending impact on the emergency care system requires recognition, monitoring and co-ordinated management. ⋯ Effective monitoring systems are required for health systems to proactively detect and respond to stresses. Additional solutions include public health messaging and clinical innovation to facilitate care of the right patient in the right place at the right time. Optimising staff numbers and morale, and efficient patient flow, are integral steps to increasing capacity within the emergency care system.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2021
Use of continuous positive airway pressure and non-invasive ventilation for respiratory failure in an Australian aeromedical retrieval service: A retrospective case series.
The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of respiratory support via continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in a medical retrieval service in Queensland, Australia, with reference to transport considerations and patient safety. ⋯ The use of NIV and CPAP appears to have a low-risk profile in aeromedical retrieval even for prolonged periods of time in an adult population.