Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2023
Observational StudyClinical Characteristics and Predictors for Hospitalisation During the Initial Phases of the Delta Variant Covid-19 Outbreak Sydney, Australia.
The COVID-19 Delta variant of concern continues to pose significant challenges to health systems globally, with increased transmissibility and different patient populations affected. In Sydney, a virtual model of care was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Special Health Accommodation (SHA) was made available for community patients with COVID-19 who could not isolate at home or needed health support. ⋯ Initial symptoms and vital signs were just as predictive for short-term deterioration as age and pre-existing comorbidities and should be included in future risk prediction models for COVID-19. Based on this, we derive a proposed risk prediction score that incorporates these predictors with further validation required.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2023
Observational StudyDedicated nursing care pathway improved management of opioid-poisoned patients in the emergency department: A before-after observational study.
Opioid overdose is increasing and accounts for two-thirds of poisoning deaths. Opioid induced respiratory depression is life-threatening and can be under-recognised even in the hospital setting. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a care pathway on the management of opioid-poisoned patients. ⋯ Following the introduction of a dedicated opioid poisoning nursing care pathway, naloxone delivery and observation documentation increased. A care pathway may improve ED management of opioid poisoning.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2023
Observational StudyLonger times in computed tomography for trauma patients result in a decrease in body temperature.
To determine if lower ambient temperatures in computed tomography (CT) rooms contribute to accidental hypothermia (≤35°C) in trauma patients. ⋯ Increasing time spent in CT leads to a decrease in body temperature in trauma patients. Clinicians should actively reduce time spent in the CT room and take active warming measures.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2023
Multi-disciplinary, simulation-based, standardised trauma team training within the Victorian State Trauma System.
Inconsistency in the structure and function of team-based major trauma reception and resuscitation is common. A standardised trauma team training programme was initiated to improve quality and consistency among trauma teams across a large, mature trauma system. The aim of this manuscript is to outline the programme and report on the initial perception of participants. ⋯ A team-based trauma reception and resuscitation education programme, introduced in a large, mature trauma system led to positive participant-reported outcomes in clinical confidence and real-life team leadership participation. Wider implementation combined with longitudinal data collection will facilitate correlation with patient and staff-centred outcomes.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2023
Exploring the feasibility of smartglass facilitated remote supervision in the emergency department: A simulation study.
Smartglasses are a wearable computer technology that has potential to facilitate remote supervision to junior doctors working in different clinical settings. The present study aimed to explore the feasibility of smartglass technology to enable remote supervision of junior clinicians by senior clinicians during emergency simulation scenarios. ⋯ The present study demonstrates that smartglasses facilitated remote assistance has promise as an emergent technology and warrants further investigation in simulated and non-simulated environments.