Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been strict limits on visitors to hospitals. This has led to clinicians having an increasing number of difficult conversations with patients and their relatives over the phone. There is a lack of published literature examining how to do this well, but it is recognised that phone communication does differ from face to face interactions, and requires specific training. ⋯ The psychological safety of participants must be considered, especially with emotive subjects such as breaking bad news. We believe there is a need for specific training in breaking bad news over the phone, and developed an innovative simulation-based session to address this. The training has been well received, and has also highlighted the need for a space where clinicians feel able to discuss the emotional impact of the difficult conversations they are having.
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First-pass success (FPS) during intubation is associated with lower morbidity for paediatric patients. Using videolaryngoscopy (VL) recordings, we reviewed technical aspects of intubation, including factors associated with FPS in children. ⋯ Placement of the blade tip into the vallecula regardless of blade type, sufficient glottic visualisation and locating the glottic opening within the second quintile of the video screen were associated with FPS using video-assisted laryngoscopy in the paediatric ED.
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Observational Study
Characteristics of frequent paediatric users of emergency departments in England: an observational study using routine national data.
Frequent attendances of the same users in emergency departments (ED) can intensify workload pressures and are common among children, yet little is known about the characteristics of paediatric frequent users in EDs. ⋯ One in 11 children was a frequent attender. Interventions for reducing paediatric frequent attendance need to target infants and families living in deprived areas.