Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2024
Making the most of what we have: What does the future hold for Emergency Department data?
Over 10 million ED visits occur each year across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Outside basic administrative data focused on time-based targets, there is minimal information about clinical performance, quality of care, patient outcomes, or equity in emergency care. ⋯ The present paper outlines a proposal for a National Acute Care Secure Health Data Environment, including design, possible applications, and the steps taken to date by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine ED Epidemiology Network in collaboration with the College of Emergency Nursing Australasia. Optimal use of the existing information collected routinely during clinical care of emergency patients has the potential to enable data-driven quality improvement and research, leading to better care and better outcomes for millions of patients and families each year.
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Emerg Med Australas · Oct 2024
ReviewPractical strategies for caring for patients with functional neurological disorder in the ED.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) presents unique challenges in the emergency department (ED), where patients often arrive with varied and vague symptoms that can be difficult to address. This article provides practical strategies for effectively managing and supporting FND patients in the ED, emphasizing a compassionate, systematic approach, tailored treatments, appropriate use of investigations, and ensuring continuity of care. Key principles include clear communication of the diagnosis, preventing iatrogenic harm, and facilitating appropriate referrals for follow-up care. ⋯ A low threshold for investigating potential comorbid neurological conditions should be maintained when patients present to ED, especially in cases of unclear diagnoses or acute presentations, while avoiding repetitive testing that may reinforce illness behaviour. Managing FND in the ED requires a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. By adopting these strategies, health professionals can improve outcomes and support patients in managing their condition effectively.