Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The Recognition of STEMI by Paramedics and the Effect of Computer inTerpretation (RESPECT): a randomised crossover feasibility study.
The appropriate management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) depends on accurate interpretation of the 12-lead ECG by paramedics. Computer interpretation messages on ECGs are often provided, but the effect they exert on paramedics' decision-making is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of using an online assessment tool, and collect pilot data, for a definitive trial to determine the effect of computer interpretation messages on paramedics' diagnosis of STEMI. ⋯ Determining the effect of computer interpretation messages using a web-based assessment tool is feasible, but the design needs to take clustered data into account. Pilot data suggest that computer messages influence paramedic interpretation, improving accuracy when correct and worsening accuracy when incorrect.
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Primary care focused unscheduled care centres (UCC) co-located with major EDs have been proposed as a solution to the rise in ED attendances. They aim to reduce the burden of primary care patients attending the ED, hence reducing crowding, waits and cost.This review analysed available literature in the context of the impact of general practitioner (GP) delivered, hospital-based (adjacent or within the ED) unscheduled care services on process outcomes, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction. ⋯ There is little evidence to support the implementation of co-located UCC models. A robust evaluation of proposed models is needed to inform future policy.
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A shortcut review of the literature was carried out to establish whether the use of fluoroquinolones was associated with an increased risk of tendinopathy in adult patients. 10 trials were found to be directly relevant to the three-part question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that there is an association between the use of fluoroquinolones and a broad range of tendinopathies.
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A shortcut review of the literature was carried out to establish whether the use of apnoeic oxygenation technique during endotracheal intubation reduces the incidence of critical desaturation. Four trials were found to be directly relevant to the three-part question. ⋯ The clinical bottom line is that there is emerging evidence that the use of apnoeic oxygenation decreases the incidence of critical desaturation during endotracheal intubation. Due to the heterogeneity of trials, however, further well-constructed and emergency department (ED)-based studies are probably warranted before conclusion can be drawn for daily emergency medicine practice.
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Multicenter Study
Prevalence and predictors of hospital prealerting in acute stroke: a mixed methods study.
Thrombolysis can significantly reduce the burden of stroke but the time window for safe and effective treatment is short. In patients travelling to hospital via ambulance, the sending of a 'prealert' message can significantly improve the timeliness of treatment. ⋯ Up to half of the patients presenting with suspected stroke in this study were prealerted by EMS staff, regardless of eligibility, resulting in disagreements with ED staff during handover. Aligning the expectations of EMS and ED staff, perhaps through simplified prealert protocols, could be considered to facilitate more appropriate use of hospital prealerting in acute stroke.