Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2013
Evaluation of a multifaceted intervention on documentation of vital signs at triage: A before-and-after study.
Triage systems provide a centralised safety mechanism where all patients are assessed for clinical urgency at point of entry to the ED. ⋯ Progressive sustained improvements in vital sign documentation were observed over the study period; however, no such increases were noted in guideline adherence. To facilitate evaluation of guideline adherence, we recommend specific vital sign parameters be included in the Australasian Triage Scale Guideline for all levels of urgency.
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The aims of this research were to characterise the injury patterns associated with nail guns, highlight their potential complications and review treatment options. ⋯ The present study characterises the injury patterns caused by nail guns. Treatment of these injuries should be based on clinical findings; however, the majority of cases should undergo surgical treatment. The required operation is a short and safe treatment modality that might allow a thorough assessment of the injury, removal of embedded material, repair of structural damage and a sterile washout to be performed.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2013
Sensitivity and specificity of three-point compression ultrasonography performed by emergency physicians for proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.
The present study aims to quantify the sensitivity and specificity of three-point compression ultrasonography for diagnosing proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis when performed by Australian consultant emergency physicians with limited specific training. Secondary aims included quantifying rapidity, technical adequacy, predictability of equivocal results and relationships between emergency physician experience and proficiency. ⋯ Abbreviated ultrasonography performed by emergency physicians for proximal lower extremity deep venous thrombosis could be valuable. However, more precise estimates for sensitivity and greater understanding of relationships between emergency physician experience and proficiency are required.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2013
Alcohol-related violence presenting to the emergency department: Is 'glassing' the big issue?
The study aims to describe the characteristics of patients presenting to EDs within Queensland, Australia with injuries because of assault with a glass implement ('glassing') and to set this within the broader context of presentations because of alcohol-related violence. ⋯ Contrary to public perception generated by media, 'glassing' incidents, particularly at licensed venues, constitute a relatively small proportion of all alcohol-related violence. The current study highlights the predominance of young men injured following alcohol-related violence, demonstrating a key focus area within the population for aiming prevention strategies.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2013
Evaluation and outcomes of patients admitted to a tertiary medical assessment unit with acute chest pain of possible coronary origin.
The study aims to (i) profile clinical characteristics, risk estimates of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), use and yield of non-invasive cardiac testing, discharge diagnosis and 30-day outcomes among patients admitted with acute chest pain of possible coronary origin; and (ii) construct a risk stratification algorithm that informs management decisions. ⋯ In patients with indeterminate chest pain, clinical features and risk scores identify most with myocardial ischaemia. An algorithm is presented that might inform triaging, early discharge, choice of testing and need for telemetry.