Emergency nurse : the journal of the RCN Accident and Emergency Nursing Association
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Multicenter Study
Stress in emergency departments: experiences of nurses and doctors.
The effects of stressful incidents on emergency department (ED) staff can be profound. Witnessing aggression, violence or the death of patients, or participating in resuscitation, can be emotionally and physically demanding. Despite the frequency of these events, ED staff do not become immune to the stress they cause, and are often ill prepared and under supported to cope with them. This article reports on a study of nurses' and doctors' attitudes to, and experiences of, workplace stress in three EDs in Ireland, and offers some suggestions on how stress among ED staff can be reduced.
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York District Hospital emergency department (ED) piloted a scheme in which GPs work alongside ED staff. By seeing and treating minor cases, the GPs allowed ED staff more time to care for acutely ill patients, thereby reducing waiting times and the rate of inappropriate attendance, and improving patient flow. This article discusses the scheme and a qualitative review of how staff perceived it. Findings from the review suggest that the introduction of GPs to EDs can improve the healthcare experience for staff and patients.