Resuscitation
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To investigate older patients' reasoning for their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) preferences and the related decision-making process (DMP). ⋯ Older people justify their resuscitation preferences highlighting their experiences of meaningful life or fulfillment of their life, interpersonal relationships with their loved ones and presumed outcome of CPR. Less than a half of the patients wished to discuss CPR and LSTs preferences in their current situation with their physician, but nevertheless wanted to participate in the DMP of end-of-life treatment. Physicians should assess patients' own preferences in-depth.
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Comparative Study
The prevalence of recordings of the signs of critical conditions and emergency responses in hospital wards--the SOCCER study.
To estimate the prevalence of recordings in case notes of disturbed physiological variables in adult admissions in general hospital wards. ⋯ There was a high incidence of recordings of disturbed physiological variables in general ward patients. Changes to hospital emergency response systems to include rapidly responding teams to patients with the signs of developing critical conditions should be supported by training programmes for ward staff on the early recognition and management of patients with the warning signs.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The effect of prophylactic topical steroid cream on the incidence and severity of cutaneous burns following external DC cardioversion.
Cutaneous burns are a common cause of morbidity following direct current (DC) cardioversion. We designed a prospective double-blinded controlled study to determine whether the application of steroid cream prior to cardioversion reduces their incidence and severity. ⋯ Topical betamethasone 0.1% cream applied 2 h before elective DC cardioversion is no more effective than placebo at reducing the pain and inflammation from cardioversion burns.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The effect of topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream on the incidence and severity of cutaneous burns following external DC cardioversion.
Cutaneous burns are a common cause of morbidity following direct current (DC) cardioversion. We designed a study to determine whether the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory cream prior to cardioversion reduces their incidence and severity. ⋯ Prophylactic application of topical ibuprofen 5% cream 2h prior to elective DC cardioversion reduces pain and inflammation. Consideration should be given to use of prophylactic application of topical ibuprofen as routine treatment for elective DC cardioversion.