European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Urgent carotid duplex and head computed tomography versus ABCD2 score for risk stratification of patients with transient ischemic attack.
The aim of the study was to prospectively compare the prognostic value of ABCD score, urgent carotid ultrasound (CUS), and unenhanced head computed tomography (UHCT) in patients presenting to the emergency department with transient ischemic attack (TIA). ⋯ Simple imaging tests showed added prognostic value to ABCD score in TIA patients. Urgent CUS together with UHCT should be performed in all TIA patients regardless of ABCD score.
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Observational Study
The predictive validity of RETTS-HEV as an acuity triage tool in the emergency department of a Danish Regional Hospital.
The Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System - Hospital Unit West (RETTS-HEV) is a triage system used in the emergency department (ED) in Herning, Denmark, since 2010. It categorizes patients according to priority and defines a time limit on how long patients can wait before being seen by a doctor depending on the severity of their condition. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive validity of RETTS-HEV by measuring the association between triage scores and outcomes such as the admission rate, the length of stay (LOS), and mortality. ⋯ RETTS-HEV was found to be closely related to all examined outcomes, and therefore useful in the risk stratification of ED patients.
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Observational Study
Analysis of a data-fusion system for continuous vital sign monitoring in an emergency department.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of a data-fusion patient status index (PSI) to detect patient deterioration in the emergency department (ED) in comparison with track-and-trigger (T&T). ⋯ Electronic data capture offers opportunities for increased detection of deteriorating patients in a busy clinical environment compared with paper charts. Sample size in this study is insufficient to determine which electronic method (eT&T or PSI) offers superior detection of the need for escalation.
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The European Paediatric Life Support (EPLS) provider course aims at training doctors and nurses in the efficient and prompt management of cardiopulmonary arrest in children. EPLS is a 2-day European Resuscitation Council course, involving the teaching of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The aim of the study was to evaluate the retention of theoretical knowledge and certain skills of EPLS providers 4 months after the course. ⋯ According to our findings, theoretical knowledge of the EPLS course uniformly declines, irrespective of the provider characteristics, whereas retention of certain skills is evident 4 months after the course.