International emergency nursing
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To determine the frequency, duration and type of audible monitor alarms in an ED, utilising the standard manufacturer's classification. ⋯ Whilst high level monitoring is desired from a patient safety perspective, it contributes to a significant ambient noise level, which is recognised by all who pass through an ED, and can be detrimental to patients, relatives and staff. We have demonstrated that there is a high probability of near-continuous alarm noise from patient monitoring in a 10-bedded Majors area. We make suggestions for methods of noise reduction and intend to implement some of these within our own ED.
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This study investigated the inter-observer agreement (IOA) between doctors and nurses on triaging adult ED dyspneic patients. ⋯ Trained ED nurses were safe and managed adult dyspneic patients as well as doctors at triage.
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Cultural awareness of emergency department staff is important to ensure delivery of appropriate health care to people from all ethnic groups. Cultural awareness training has been found to increase knowledge about other cultures and is widely used as a means of educating staff, however, debate continues as to the effectiveness of these programs. ⋯ Future strategies to improve staff cultural awareness need to be investigated, developed, implemented and evaluated.
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The majority of patients who attend emergency departments (EDs) in Saudi Arabia have non-urgent problems, resulting in overcrowding, excessive waiting times and delayed care for more acutely ill patients. The purpose of this research was to examine the reasons for non-urgent visits to a Saudi ED and factors associated with patient perceptions of urgency. ⋯ Multiple factors influence non-urgent visits to the ED in the Saudi context including insufficient community awareness of the role of the ED and perceived lack of access to primary healthcare services.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of temporal artery to mercury and digital temperature measurement in pediatrics.
The aim of the study was to compare the temporal artery thermometer measurements with the mercury and digital axillary thermometer measurements in children. ⋯ Temporal artery thermometer values might be considered as core temperature. Rectal temperature is about 2°F (1°C) higher than an axillary temperature. In our study the difference between the temperature measured values was found to be consistent with the range provided in the literature. Temporal artery thermometers are recommended especially pediatric emergency settings, where an accurate, quick and safe body temperature measurement is of vital importance.