European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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To assess the diagnostic performance of the NG-Test human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) WB, which is a new point-of-care (POC) hCG whole-blood test. ⋯ The NG-Test hCG WB showed a high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV. Its use as triage in the case of a negative pelvic ultrasound exam is a potential strategy to improve patient flow, with an average time saving of 85 min.
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The objective of this study was to effectuate a consensus of emergency physicians on minimum requirements for facility, diagnostic, and medical specialist availability as a first step toward minimum operational standards for 24/7 available emergency departments (EDs) in the Netherlands. ⋯ An expert panel agreed upon minimum operational standards for EDs in the Netherlands. These results are helpful as a first step toward a more widely supported standard for future 24/7 available EDs in the Netherlands and in addition to this other urgent care facilities.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a rapid cardiothoracic ultrasound protocol (CaTUS), combining echocardiographically derived E/e' and lung ultrasound (LUS), for diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with undifferentiated dyspnea in an emergency department (ED). ⋯ CaTUS, combining E/e' and LUS, provided excellent accuracy for diagnosing AHF.
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We evaluated the effectiveness of the Subacute Ambulatory care for the Functionally challenged and Elderly (SAFE) programme, a post-emergency department (ED) discharge intervention for elderly and functionally challenged patients, in reducing acute hospital admissions. ⋯ The SAFE programme was effective in reducing first acute hospital admissions in selected elderly and functionally challenged patients after ED discharge at 30 and 60 days compared with usual ED discharge care.