Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
-
Paediatric trauma elbow radiographs are difficult to interpret and there is a potential for harm if misdiagnosed. The primary goal of this study was to assess the ability of healthcare professionals internationally to interpret paediatric trauma elbow radiographs from the radiograph alone by formulating the correct diagnosis. ⋯ Globally, healthcare professional's success in correctly diagnosing paediatric elbow injuries from radiographs was suboptimal in this non-clinical exercise, despite capturing quite an experienced cohort of clinicians. This study has provided us with detailed baseline data to accurately assess the impact of interventions aimed at improving clinicians' interpretation of paediatric elbow radiographs in future studies.
-
Although one objective of NHS 111 is to ease the strain on urgent and emergency care services, studies suggest the telephone triage service may be contributing to increased demand. Moreover, while parents and caregivers generally find NHS 111 satisfactory, concerns exist about its integration with the healthcare system and the appropriateness of advice. This study aimed to analyse the advice provided in NHS 111 calls, the duration between the call and ED attendance, and the outcomes of such attendances made by children and young people (C&YP). ⋯ More tailored options for unscheduled healthcare may be needed for younger children. Both early low-acuity attendance and late high-acuity attendance following contact with NHS 111 could act as useful entry points for clinical audits of the telephone triage service.
-
The aims of this study were to assess whether delayed admission from the ED influenced mortality risk, length of acute hospital stay, risk of developing delirium and return to domicile for patients presenting with a hip fracture. ⋯ Delayed disposition from our ED was associated with an increased mortality risk and longer length of hospital stay in patients presenting with a hip fracture.