Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
-
Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Observational StudyFactors associated with difficult intravenous access in the paediatric emergency department: A prospective cohort study.
Although it is the most performed invasive procedure, peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion in children can be difficult. The primary objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) in the paediatric ED, including patient, proceduralist and situational factors. ⋯ The present study identified multiple patient, proceduralist and situational factors that were associated with DIVA in the paediatric ED. Future studies should explore the development and implementation of a package to address DIVA in children, with the patient-centred goals of reducing pain and improving success.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Impact of the Southeast Melbourne Virtual Emergency Department on reducing transfers from residential aged care facilities.
To evaluate the impact of the Southeast Melbourne Virtual Emergency Department (SEMVED) on transfers from residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to traditional EDs. ⋯ SEMVED prevented unnecessary transfers and enabled in-facility care. Integration into community outreach programmes could enhance care delivery. Patient safety outcomes were not formally assessed by our methodology.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Recommendations for developing a comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) program in the emergency department: an Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Group advocacy statement.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use is widespread in EDs and throughout those practising medicine. Between institutions and specialities, there is widespread variety and training. With this comes the risk of patient harm and backlash to a clinically useful modality. Our objective is to form a statement that encompasses current published and unpublished guidance for creating and maintaining robust POCUS programs in EDs. ⋯ These recommendations complement existing guidelines and are not intended to replace them; however, we hope to promote discussion and provide reference support for those developing POCUS programs. Implementing a comprehensive and robust ED POCUS program will ensure safe, effective and standardised high-quality POCUS use, with the aim of improving patient care across Australia and New Zealand. Patient safety will be enhanced through effective risk management and quality assurance and there will be consistency in POCUS education, training and credentialing across institutions.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Navigating competing tensions: A qualitative study of experiences and perceptions of leadership among emergency medicine doctors.
Emergency medicine (EM) doctors are often required to manage a diverse set of complex challenges; navigating direct patient care, systemic issues and inter-professional interactions. Leadership is well recognised as crucial in optimising both the delivery and the quality of patient care. There is a clear need to gain greater understanding of the reality of EM leadership through exploring doctors' experience and perception of leadership in EM, yet there is a paucity of research focusing on this area. The objective of the present study was to explore the research question: 'What are the experiences and perceptions of leadership by EM doctors?' ⋯ Leadership within the ED is complex and multifaceted, with doctors required to navigate many competing tensions. The present study highlighted key areas for future leadership development, including situational awareness, emotional intelligence and a fluid approach to leadership styles. The present study provides an important step towards enhancing the development of targeted leadership training for EM doctors.
-
Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
'You mean you're not doing it already?' A national sentinel toxico-surveillance system for detecting illicit, emerging and novel psychoactive drugs in presentations to emergency departments.
Patients presenting to the ED after using illicit drugs, including novel psychoactive substances, are a unique source of information on substances that are directly causing acute harm in the community. Conventionally, illicit drug intoxications are assessed and managed in EDs based on self-report and presenting symptoms, with no objective data on the causative agent. ⋯ The key benefit of EDNA is the capacity to provide timely laboratory-confirmed toxicology data on emerging drug-related threats in the community. This leads to improvements in clinical, forensic laboratory and public health harm reduction responses, reflecting rapid translation of the research.