Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Emergency department staff opinion on newly introduced phlebotomy services in the department. A cross-sectional study incorporating thematic analysis.
The demand for ED services, both in terms of patient numbers and complexity has risen over the past decades. According to reports, there has been an increase in the ED patient presentation rate from 330 per 1000 to 334 per 1000 between 2018-2019 and 2022-2023. Consequently, new care models have been introduced to address this surge in demand, mitigate associated risks and improve overall safety. Among these models is the concept of 'front loading' clinical care, involving the initiation of interventions at the point of arrival. The present study evaluates the impact of introducing phlebotomists at triage. ⋯ Staff expressed satisfaction that patient care now begins in the waiting room, especially after extended waiting periods prior to cubicle allocation. They assert that this improvement significantly enhances timely treatment and disposition decisions, as well as overall patient satisfaction.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Impact of the Southeast Melbourne Virtual Emergency Department on reducing transfers from residential aged care facilities.
To evaluate the impact of the Southeast Melbourne Virtual Emergency Department (SEMVED) on transfers from residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to traditional EDs. ⋯ SEMVED prevented unnecessary transfers and enabled in-facility care. Integration into community outreach programmes could enhance care delivery. Patient safety outcomes were not formally assessed by our methodology.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Exploring the value, enablers and barriers of being a clinician-coach: A qualitative pilot study of clinician-coaches in emergency medicine.
To explore how clinicians understand coaching and their clinician-coach practice in emergency medicine. ⋯ Fostering a supportive environment for coaching could significantly enhance clinician competence and well-being, healthcare delivery and professional development.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Navigating competing tensions: A qualitative study of experiences and perceptions of leadership among emergency medicine doctors.
Emergency medicine (EM) doctors are often required to manage a diverse set of complex challenges; navigating direct patient care, systemic issues and inter-professional interactions. Leadership is well recognised as crucial in optimising both the delivery and the quality of patient care. There is a clear need to gain greater understanding of the reality of EM leadership through exploring doctors' experience and perception of leadership in EM, yet there is a paucity of research focusing on this area. The objective of the present study was to explore the research question: 'What are the experiences and perceptions of leadership by EM doctors?' ⋯ Leadership within the ED is complex and multifaceted, with doctors required to navigate many competing tensions. The present study highlighted key areas for future leadership development, including situational awareness, emotional intelligence and a fluid approach to leadership styles. The present study provides an important step towards enhancing the development of targeted leadership training for EM doctors.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
More than meets the eye: Lid and conjunctival injuries in cases of non-sexual assault are frequently accompanied by non-fatal strangulation.
To determine the associations between lid and conjunctival injuries (LACI), non-fatal strangulation (NFS) and domestic family violence (DFV) in non-sexual assault. ⋯ LACI is frequently associated with NFS and/or DFV. Since NFS increases future homicide attempts and events more than sixfold, LACI is an important signal about a patient's homicide risk, expanding the dimensions of the care needed. Those experiencing LACI during an assault also need to be referred for comprehensive eye examination as soon as possible. With consent, systematic forensic photography of LACI enables its assessment and documentation, which assists the legal process. These conclusions should drive legislative consideration and reform, plus expanded education for clinicians and police.