Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Transthoracic cardioversion (TTC) is widely used in emergency departments and daily clinical practice. TTC may cause skin lesions on the application of apical and sternal paddle areas. The lesions are characterised by redness, erythema and blister(s), and can be defined as first degree burns locally causing pain and increased sensitivity. ⋯ Local cold application following TTC is an effective means of reducing the incidence and severity of burns and pain/sensitivity. It is cost-effective and can easily be applied by nurses in medical/surgical units and emergency departments.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A multinational randomised study comparing didactic lectures with case scenario in a severe sepsis medical simulation course.
Medical simulation has been used to teach critical illness in a variety of settings. This study examined the effect of didactic lectures compared with simulated case scenario in a medical simulation course on the early management of severe sepsis. ⋯ A medical simulation course can improve resident physician knowledge in the early management of severe sepsis. Such a course should include a comprehensive curriculum that includes didactic lectures followed by simulation experience.
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To evaluate the efficacy of routine follow-up CT scans of the head after complicated mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Routine follow-up CT scans rarely alter treatment for patients with complicated mild TBI. Follow-up CT scans based on neurological decline alter treatment five times more often than routine follow-up CT scans.
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A short cut review was carried out to establish ultrasonography was as good as radiography at detecting fracture clavicles in children. 580 papers were found using the reported searches, of which 5 presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. It is that ultrasonography is sensitive at detecting clavicular fractures in children.
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Research indicates emergency department doctors experience high levels of stress. Poor psychological health affects staff well-being and patient care, with considerable organisational and financial cost. This study compares levels of psychological health in medical, nursing and administrative staff from a UK emergency department with an orthopaedic comparison department. The study investigates the influence of coping strategies and the support people receive from their colleagues (ie, social support). ⋯ Priority should be given to developing and evaluating interventions to improve psychological health for this group. Findings suggest that coping strategies and social support are important factors to incorporate into such interventions.