Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
-
A short cut review was carried out to establish whether a staff debriefing session after involvement in a traumatic resuscitation reduces stress and anxiety, reduces sickness, improves team working and morale and improves staff retention. Four papers presented the best evidence to answer the question. ⋯ However, there is some desire among staff for it to occur. Further research is needed and in the meantime local advice should be followed.
-
Previous research suggests that there is an association between domestic violence (DV) and self-harm (SH). Yet, the prevalence and clinical significance of DV among individuals presenting acutely to hospital with SH in the UK is unknown. ⋯ Our findings suggest that DV victimisation is more prevalent among those presenting to ED with self-harm than among the general population of ED attenders, and that the presence of DV may signify increased risk among those presenting to ED with SH.
-
A 98-year-old man with 2 days of headache, nausea, malaise and unsteadiness was referred to the ED by his GP with a suspicion of an intracranial bleed. His medical history included atrial fibrillation (AF) (taking warfarin). Observations were SpO2 95% on air, RR24, HR88, BP210/104, GCS14, Temp 34.3. ⋯ Spontaneous haemothorax. Acute consolidation with underlying old TB. Traumatic lung contusions.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Intramuscular versus oral diclofenac for acute pain in adults with acute musculoskeletal injuries presenting to the ED setting: a prospective, double-blind, double-dummy, randomised controlled trial.
The current study aimed to ascertain differences in early postmedication pain reduction in participants presenting with acute musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) to the ED receiving intramuscular (IM) versus per oral (PO) diclofenac. ⋯ IM diclofenac injection provides rapid analgesia over PO administration of diclofenac. However, given the preparation needed for an IM injection, oral administration may be preferable when and if clinical circumstances allow a choice in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration route.