European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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The objective of this study was to identify factors that influence emergency nurses' adherence to an emergency department national protocol (EDNP). A survey of emergency nurses (n=200) and physicians with medical end responsibility on an emergency department (n=103) was carried out. Emergency nurses' self-reported adherence to the EDNP was 38%, 55% of the nurses and 44% of the physicians were aware of the protocol. ⋯ The main influencing factor seems awareness. Other factors related to the individual, the organization and to protocol characteristics. Solely disseminating the EDNP is not enough to get the protocol used in clinical practice.
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the supplemental oxygen use in hospital emergency departments (EDs) in Victoria. A prospective exploratory design was used. All patients attending the three-study EDs during the data-collection periods and who could give informed consent were eligible for inclusion. ⋯ Patients who received oxygen were older (P<0.001), had higher incidence of ambulance transport to ED (P<0.001) and hospital admission (P<0.001) and higher median respiratory (P<0.001) and median heart rates (P=0.008). Oxygen is a major component of emergency care. Patients who received oxygen were more likely to have clear evidence of physiological abnormalities; however, oxygen decision-making warrants more detailed investigation.
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To determine the effects of a communication skills training program on emergency medicine residents and patient satisfaction. ⋯ Participation in a communication skills training program was associated with improved communication skills of emergency medicine residents, increased patient satisfaction, and decreased complaints.