Articles: emergency-medicine.
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Emerg Med Australas · Aug 2023
Disposition of patients utilising the virtual emergency department service in southeast region of Melbourne (SERVED-1).
Supported by the state government, three health networks partnered to initiate a virtual ED (VED), as part of a broader roll-out of emergency telehealth services in Victoria. The aim of the present study (Southeast Region Virtual Emergency Department-1 [SERVED-1]) was to report the initial 5-month experience and included all patients assessed through the service over the first 5 months (1 February 2022 to 30 June 2022). ⋯ Initial experience demonstrated a significant increase in adoption of the service and an overall avoidance of physical ED attendance by a majority of patients. These results support ongoing VED consultations, complemented by follow up and health economic evaluations.
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Pediatric emergency care · Aug 2023
Point of Care Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Pediatric Testicular Torsion: A Retrospective Case Series Analysis.
Acute testicular torsion is a surgical emergency that warrants prompt treatment. The diagnosis is typically confirmed by ultrasonography interpreted by a radiologist (RADUS); however, in this study, we describe the clinical course of 23 patients for whom point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was performed by pediatric emergency medicine physicians during the initial assessment for testicular torsion in the pediatric emergency department (PED). ⋯ Point-of-care ultrasound performed by pediatric emergency medicine physicians can be used to expedite surgical management and streamline the management of pediatric patients suspected of acute testicular torsion.
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Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common infection in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and is associated with significant risk of mortality. Therefore, it is important for emergency medicine clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition. ⋯ An understanding of literature updates can improve the care of patients with suspected SBP.
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Hyperglycemia is a common finding in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). Recommendations addressing uncomplicated hyperglycemia in the ED are limited, and the management of those without a prior diagnosis of diabetes presents a challenge. ⋯ Emergency clinician knowledge of the evaluation and management of new-onset hyperglycemia and diabetes is important to prevent long-term complications.