The New Zealand medical journal
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To evaluate the introduction of an early warning score (EWS) system on incidence of in-hospital adult cardiac arrest. ⋯ Introduction of an EWS system in addition to an existing cardiac arrest team response decreased the incidence of in-hospital cardiac arrests in a tertiary hospital in New Zealand.
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Elderly are the most vulnerable population group owing to increased prevalence of chronic diseases and drug consumption. Several characteristics of aging and geriatrics medicine affect drug prescribing for elderly. Thus the selection of appropriate pharmacotherapy for elderly becomes a complex and challenging process. ⋯ The objective of this article is to understand the concept, causes and measurement of medication errors in elderly. Various interventions to improve drug prescribing such as educational approaches, geriatric medicine services, computerised prescribing and multifaceted approaches have also been highlighted. In conclusion there is an overwhelming need for optimising the prescribing in elderly through an integrated approach involving physician, pharmacologist, pharmacist and the patient himself.
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Review Case Reports
Bilateral plunging ranula: two case reports and a review of the literature.
Presentation of two bilateral plunging ranula cases and then review of the plunging ranula literature to understand current concepts on aetiology, imaging for diagnosis and management. ⋯ Plunging ranula are a rare cause of bilateral and unilateral neck swellings but more common in Maori, Polynesian and Asian people. Their cause is multifactorial and ultrasound scan (USS) is the current investigation of choice. Management relies on excision of the sublingual gland with the cystic contents via a trans-oral approach.
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Historical Article
Fatal injury epidemiology among the New Zealand military forces in the First World War.
Despite the large mortality burden of First World War (WW1) on New Zealand (NZ) military forces, no analysis using modern epidemiological methods has ever been conducted. We therefore aimed to study injury-related mortality amongst NZ military forces in WW1. ⋯ Participation in First World War was by far the worst fatal injury event in New Zealand's history. Many of these injury deaths could be considered to have been preventable through: better diplomacy (to prevent the war), improved military planning to reduce failed campaigns (e.g. Gallipoli, Passchendaele), earlier use of protective equipment such as helmets, and improved healthcare services.
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Editorial Historical Article
Lest we forget: the First World War's terrible toll on New Zealanders.