Australasian emergency nursing journal : AENJ
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Australas Emerg Nurs J · Aug 2014
Multicenter StudyWildfire disasters: implications for rural nurses.
As natural disasters are increasing globally, nursing's role in responding to disasters is evolving. Disaster nursing has emerged as a specialty that focuses on the care of groups and communities during disaster response. The role of rural nurses in disasters is less well defined. ⋯ Well-prepared and educated rural nurses who combine theoretical knowledge with their understanding of a rural community potentially can reduce the impact of a disaster. Other nursing roles include mentoring nursing students in disaster preparation and assisting in initiatives to address community recovery in the aftermath of a disaster.
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Australas Emerg Nurs J · Aug 2014
Patient perceptions of emergency department fast track: a prospective pilot study comparing two models of care.
Emergency department (ED) fast track has been shown to improve patient flow for low complexity presentations.(1) The optimal model of care and service delivery for fast track patients has not been established. ⋯ Most patients were satisfied with ED fast track, irrespective of model of care. Patient satisfaction was greater in the group of patients using the nurse practitioner model of care. Around half of the fast track patients would prefer to see a general practitioner for a similar problem if available nearby.
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Australas Emerg Nurs J · Aug 2014
Shortfalls in residents' transfer documentation: challenges for emergency department staff.
Increasing numbers of residents are transferred from aged care facilities to emergency departments. Frequently, residents arrive with inadequate documentation regarding their presenting complaint or medical history, making it difficult for emergency department staff to make decisions about care. ⋯ Inadequate documentation negatively impacted the resident's journey through the emergency department. There is evidence that inadequate documentation contributes to poor patient outcomes. To minimise the gaps in the transfer documentation regular staff development and quality assurance programs may be required in residential aged care facilities.