Articles: pandemics.
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Internal medicine journal · Aug 2022
Observational StudyThe impact of the first wave of COVID-19 on stroke admissions across three tertiary hospitals in Brisbane.
COVID-19 has caused a global shift in healthcare-seeking behaviour; however, presentation rates with serious conditions, such as stroke in low COVID-19-prevalence cities, has received less attention. ⋯ During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic there was no significant reduction in stroke presentations, use of acute reperfusion therapies or delays to presentation, despite a reduction in ED presentations for any cause. Our results differ from the global experience, with possible explanations, including differences in public health messaging and healthcare infrastructure.
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Telehealth video visits are essential for delivering timely care while mitigating exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth video visits have the potential to improve missed appointments, reduce costs associated with Veterans Affairs (VA) travel reimbursement, and lead to positive patient and provider satisfaction. ⋯ The use of telehealth video visits during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced missed appointments, exhibited cost savings in VA travel reimbursement, and led to positive patient and provider satisfaction.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of alternative means of accessing unplanned care in order to avoid unnecessary ED presentations and hospital admissions. We explore the definition of emergency medicine, which patients are better served by accessing unplanned hospital care via alternative pathways, and the concept of emergency care completion.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2022
"I was prepared to become infected as a frontline medical staff": a survey of Australian emergency department staff experiences during COVID-19.
To identify challenges faced by Australian hospital healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ The Australian system provided sufficient information and PPE. Staff experienced considerable stress, infection concerns and emotional challenges, which merit consideration in preparing for the future.