CJEM
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The erector spinae plane block vs. usual care for treatment of mechanical back pain in the emergency department: a pilot study.
The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB), traditionally utilized for thoracic regional pain control, has been reported as an effective analgesic option for mechanical back pain, renal colic, and rib fractures in the emergency department (ED). This pilot study aims to compare the effectiveness of the ESPB to usual analgesic treatment for patients presenting to the ED with mechanical back pain. ⋯ NCT05982483.
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Acute cannabis use is associated with impaired driving performance and increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. Following the Canadian Cannabis Act's implementation, it is essential to understand how recreational cannabis legalization impacts traffic injuries, with a particular emphasis on Canadian emergency departments. This study aims to assess the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on traffic-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the broader context of North America. ⋯ This systematic review highlights the complexity of assessing the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on traffic injuries. Our findings show a varied impact on emergency department visits and hospitalizations across North America. This underlines the importance of Canadian emergency physicians staying informed about regional cannabis policies. Training on identifying and treating cannabis-related impairments should be incorporated into standard protocols to enhance response effectiveness and patient safety in light of evolving cannabis legislation.
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Multicenter Study
Healthcare workers' perspectives on a prescription phone program to meet the health equity needs of patients in the emergency department: a qualitative study.
People experiencing homelessness and marginalization face considerable barriers to accessing healthcare services. Increased reliance on technology within healthcare has exacerbated these inequities. We evaluated a hospital-based prescription phone program aimed to reduce digital health inequities and improve access to services among marginalized patients in Emergency Departments. We examined the perceived outcomes of the program and the contextual barriers and facilitators affecting outcomes. ⋯ Our findings suggest that providing phones to marginalized patient populations may address digital and social health inequities; however, building trusting relationships with patients, understanding the unique needs of these populations, and operating within a biopsychosocial model of health are key to program success.