Journal of accident & emergency medicine
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To evaluate accident and emergency (A&E) department led practice of ketamine sedation for painful, short procedures in the paediatric population and to ascertain parental response. ⋯ This study, while confirming the known safety of ketamine sedation, established its suitability for "independent" use within A&E departments by suitably qualified staff.
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To determine the reasons for choosing between primary care out of hours centres and accident and emergency (A&E) departments for patients with primary care problems. ⋯ Once patients have used the GP out of hours centre they are more likely to use it again. Education should be targeted at young adults, the unemployed and white people. Patients should be encouraged to contact their GP before A&E department attendance for non-life threatening conditions. Waiting time perception may be an important reason for choice of service.