Academic emergency medicine : official journal of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
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Identifying changes in pain score associated with clinically meaningful outcomes is necessary when using self-report measures to assess pain in children. We aimed to determine the changes in pain score associated with a minimum clinically significant difference (MCSD), ideal clinically significant difference (ICSD), and patient-perceived adequate analgesia (PPAA) and to evaluate for differences based on initial pain intensity and patient characteristics. ⋯ Our findings provide patient-centered outcomes in children that are suitable for designing trials and are generalizable across patient characteristics.
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The optimal order of drug administration (sedative first vs. neuromuscular blocking agent first) in rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is debated. ⋯ Administration of either the neuromuscular blocking or the sedative agent first are both acceptable. Administering the neuromuscular blocking agent first may result in modestly faster time to intubation. For now, it is reasonable for physicians to continue performing RSI in the way they are most comfortable with. If future research determines that the order of medication administration is not associated with awareness of neuromuscular blockade, administration of the neuromuscular blocking agent first may be a logical default administration method to attempt to minimize apnea time during intubation.
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Pediatric emergency telemedicine consultations have been shown to provide support to community emergency departments treating critically ill pediatric patients. However, despite the recognized value of telemedicine, adoption has been slow. To determine why clinicians frequently do not use telemedicine when it is available for pediatric patients, as well as to learn how to improve telemedicine programs, we conducted a qualitative study using stakeholder interviews. ⋯ To improve patient care through increased use of telemedicine for pediatric emergency consultations, processes need to be modified to address provider biases and end-user concerns. Processes should be adapted to allow users to utilize a variety of technologies (including smartphones) and to enable more users, such as nurses, to participate. Finally, telemedicine can be used to improve the patient and family experience by including them in consultations.