Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
Evaluating accuracy of cervical spine computed tomography interpretation by emergency trainees with the use of a structured protocol.
Radiological evaluation of cervical spine injury with computed tomography (CT) scanning is a fundamental component of the assessment of major trauma. Accurate interpretation of scans is essential for safe clearance or diagnosis of injuries. However, delays in radiologist reporting often result in prolonged spinal immobilisation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a simple, structured reporting tool to improve assessment of CTs of the cervical spine by emergency medicine trainees. ⋯ Interpretation of cervical spine CT scans by trainees was inferior compared to radiologists and did not improve with a structured reporting template. Other innovative strategies towards timely reporting of CT scans by radiologists of the cervical spine are indicated for earlier definitive diagnosis.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
Trauma system management of adults with severe burns in Victoria, Australia.
The aim of the present study was to examine the profile, management and outcomes of adult patients with severe burns within the Victorian State Trauma System (VSTS). ⋯ Severe burns are uncommon injuries with high mortality. There is a high rate of adherence to VSTS guidelines for managing patients with severe burns, and a decrease in patients requiring transfer associated with an increase in acceptable time to a trauma-receiving hospital. The VSTS operates to deliver almost all patients with severe burns to the definitive burns service efficiently.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
ReviewReview article: Coaching in emergency medicine: A systematic review and future research agenda.
Coaching as a discipline has seen significant growth in medicine over the last decade, especially in medical education, but is at the early stages of recognition in emergency medicine. The objective of this systematic review was to provide insight into the state of coaching practice and research in emergency medicine and outline a future research agenda. Based on PRISMA guidelines, a structured electronic literature search of Embase, Scopus and EBSCOhost was conducted. ⋯ Our review revealed three key findings: coaching is examined in relation to clinician well-being and resilience, non-technical skills, and clinician technical skills, however its influence upon non-technical skills is the main focus; coaching studies are predominantly outcome studies, with process studies receiving little attention and; a range of theories and models are used in studies of coaching in emergency medicine. This review revealed that coaching research in emergency medicine is in its infancy, highly fragmented and largely disconnected from the wider coaching research literature. Nevertheless, despite the early stages of the current research base of coaching in emergency medicine, this nascent field is rich with opportunities for future research.
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Emerg Med Australas · Feb 2025
The use and impact of pathology tests in emergency department patients with mental health-related complaints: A cross sectional study.
To evaluate the use and impact of pathology tests in patients who present to the ED with mental health-related complaints. The primary objective is to measure the proportion of patients undergoing pathology tests and assess whether these tests trigger a change in management. ⋯ Pathology tests should be reserved for patients with high-risk features and based on clinical assessment. Strategic use of pathology tests could avoid unnecessary delays and costs, enhancing patient care in mental health-related ED presentations.