European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Review Comparative Study
Research in prehospital emergency medicine: comparison by geographic origin of publications.
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Horse riding is a common leisure activity associated with a significant rate of injury. Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) may be called to equestrian accidents. Accurate HEMS tasking is important to ensure appropriate use of this valuable medical resource. We sought to review HEMS response to equestrian accidents and identify factors associated with the need for HEMS intervention or transport of the patient to a major trauma centre. ⋯ Equestrian accidents represent a significant proportion of HEMS missions. The majority of patients injured in equestrian accidents do not require HEMS intervention, however, a small proportion have life-threatening injuries, requiring immediate critical intervention. Further research is warranted, particularly regarding HEMS dispatch, to further improve accuracy of tasking to equestrian accidents.
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Comparative Study
Learning profiles for noninvasive transcutaneous Doppler ultrasound.
This study aimed to establish learning profiles for noninvasive transcutaneous Doppler ultrasound. ⋯ A substantial period of learning needs to be undertaken to achieve proficiency on the use of noninvasive transcutaneous Doppler ultrasound. Cumulative sum analysis is a useful tool for ongoing quality assessment during medical education and training in practical procedures on an individual basis.
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Over the past few years, the number of patients attending emergency services has increased steadily. As a result, emergency departments (EDs) worldwide face frequent crowding, with the risk of reduced treatment quality and impaired patient outcome, patient and staff dissatisfaction and inefficient use of ED resources. A qualitative process analysis and process modelling was used as a method to detect critical process steps in the ED with respect to time and efficiency. ⋯ The process analysis helped to identify inefficient process steps in the ED. Modelling with EPC is a useful tool to visualize and to understand the complexity of the emergency medical care and to identify key performance indicators for effective quality management.
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The aims of the study were to quantify the litigation cost of scaphoid mismanagement, identify the main reasons why patients sought compensation and hence provide suggestions for reducing litigation. Data were obtained from the National Health Service Litigation Authority. All orthopaedic-related litigation between 1995 and 2010 in the UK was reviewed. ⋯ The mean cost was &OV0556;41 680 per case (range &OV0556;0-&OV0556;206 789), and a cumulative cost of &OV0556;3 542 855. The majority of litigation may relate to a lack of follow-up and may demonstrate a failure of protocol-driven reassessment. Secondary surveys following major trauma are also highly relevant.