Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2017
Observational StudyFactors influencing choice of pre-hospital transportation of patients with potential acute coronary syndrome: An observational study.
To determine factors associated with ambulance use in patients with confirmed and potential acute coronary syndrome presenting to the ED. ⋯ Patients with possible ischaemic symptoms who are at a high risk of cardiac disease do not utilise ambulance services more than low risk patients. In general, transport to hospital using ambulance services by patients with symptoms of possible acute coronary syndrome is low despite community campaigns.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2017
Transfer of care and overstay in the management of cellulitis in the emergency short stay unit: A retrospective cohort study.
This study aimed to quantify the rate of transfer of care or overstay from cellulitis management in the emergency short stay unit (ESSU) and to identify risk factors during initial assessment associated with transfer of care or overstay. ⋯ Transfer of care or overstay after admission to ESSU was high among patients with cellulitis. Variables independently associated with transfer of care or overstay were obesity, i.v. drug use, elevated white blood cell count and elevated C-reactive protein. Awareness of these variables can inform appropriate guidelines for ESSU admission, potentially improving patient flow and reducing length of stay in the ED and hospital.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2017
Observational StudyObservational study of alternative therapies among paediatric emergency department patients.
While complementary medicine use among ED paediatric patients is common, the use of alternative therapies (ATs; physical or spiritual therapies) is unknown. We aimed to determine the 12 month period prevalence and nature of AT use among paediatric patients and parent perceptions of AT use. ⋯ AT use is common among paediatric ED patients. Parents who arrange AT have differing perceptions of AT usefulness and safety from those who do not.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2017
Case-control study to investigate variables associated with incidents and adverse events in the emergency department.
To detect and analyse incidents (Is) and adverse events (AEs) in the ED. We hypothesised that I/AE are associated with patient load. ⋯ I/AEs are common in the ED and a large proportion is preventable. Strategies for prevention are required. The relationship with patient load needs further clarification, since our data suggests increased I/AE rates with higher occupancy but not highest occupancy.
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Emerg Med Australas · Apr 2017
Barriers to conducting research: A survey of trainees in emergency medicine.
Research underpins evidence-based practice, but there are significant barriers to conducting research relevant to each clinical discipline. Understanding these barriers could allow strategies to reduce their impact. The present study was undertaken to understand specific barriers to research for emergency medicine (EM) trainees. ⋯ Barriers to research in EM are similar to other specialities and were perceived to be manageable. Reorganisation and refocus of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine training curriculum may be an option to foster an environment to promote research.