Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2020
Examining the association between triage streamed treatment location and time to appropriate antibiotics in emergency department patients with septic shock.
Early recognition and treatment for sepsis is critical in improving patient outcomes. The present study sought to examine whether triage location was associated with time to appropriate antibiotics in a cohort of ED patients with septic shock. ⋯ We identified a sub-group of septic shock patients triaged to a lower acuity treatment location who received significant delays to antibiotics. This research area deserves closer examination to potentially recognise septic shock earlier in the continuum.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2020
Management of patients with low back pain in the emergency department: Is it feasible to follow evidence-based recommendations?
Low back pain is frequently seen in patients visiting the ED, but many patients receive medical care with no demonstrable benefits. We studied the clinical characteristics of patients visiting two EDs in Santiago, Chile, and their management to evaluate how it adheres to evidence-based recommendations. ⋯ Older age, the presence of red flags and pain intensity influenced the management of patients with low back pain in the ED. Future strategies should emphasise avoiding costly and ineffective management in these patients.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2020
Cost-benefit analysis of retrospectively identifying missed compensable billings in the emergency department.
The aim of the present study was to perform a cost-benefit analysis of retrospectively identifying missed compensable billings in a public Australian ED. ⋯ All scenarios examined led to a positive NPV favouring retrospectively identifying missed compensable billings.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2020
Personal Protective Equipment in the Paediatric Emergency Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. Estimating requirements based on staff numbers and patient presentations.
To estimate the personal protective equipment (PPE) required in a paediatric ED during the COVID-19 pandemic comparing the use per patient to use per patient zone, based on the NSW Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC) guidelines in place at the time of the study. ⋯ This study has demonstrated the considerable requirement for PPE in a paediatric ED, which varies according to presentation type and the background prevalence of COVID-19 in the community.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2020
Workplace violence in emergency departments: The health professionals and security personnel alliance.
Violence in the health sector is a widespread worldwide phenomenon. Emergency nurses and emergency physicians are among the most exposed. ⋯ Sharing some data from our 2016 Italian National Survey on Violence towards Emergency Nurses, further elements are provided on this issue. The different perspectives of healthcare professionals and security personnel can converge in an alliance to counteract violence in the ED.