European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Medically unexplained symptoms, defined as physical symptoms for which no organic pathology can be found, represent 4% of all emergency department attendances annually. The standard management of these patients involves extensive investigation to rule out organic pathology, followed by simple reassurance. We conducted a literature review to determine if there was any intervention that could improve these patient's symptoms and reduce emergency department attendances. ⋯ Three studies tested cognitive behavioural therapy, with two finding a reduction in emergency department attendance. Overall, evidence regarding interventions for patients with medically unexplained symptoms in the emergency department is limited and of a variable quality, despite comprising 4% of emergency department attendances. Further research is required to determine the best intervention for this challenging patient group.
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Adequacy of bystander actions in unconscious patients: an audit study in the Ghent region (Belgium).
Early recognition and appropriate bystander response has proven effect on the outcome of many critically ill patients, including those in cardiac arrest. We wanted to audit prehospital bystander response in our region and identify areas for improvement. ⋯ We audited bystander response for unconscious patients in our region and found a high degree of suboptimal actions. These results should inform policy makers and healthcare professionals and force them to urgently reflect on how to improve the first parts of the chain of survival.
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Guidelines recommend Trendelenburg position for central venous cannulation. Critically ill patients in the emergency department often do not tolerate this positioning or have contraindications. Thirty-degree dorsal elevated position with positive end-expiratory pressure by noninvasive ventilation could pose an alternative. This is the first trial to investigate the feasibility of alternative for central venous cannulation in critically ill emergency department patients. ⋯ Thirty-degree elevated positioning with positive end-expiratory pressure via noninvasive ventilation could be a safe and well-tolerated alternative for central venous cannulation, especially for critically ill patients in emergency department unable to remain in Trendelenburg position. This proof-of-concept trial enables further studies with actual central venous cannulation.
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Emergency department (ED) revisits had traditionally been used as a quality indicator, but focused more on the same hospital revisit (SHRV). Our study investigated the 72-hour ED revisits on SHRV and different hospital revisits (DHRV), and explored the predictors of DHRV. ⋯ About one in three ED revisits occurred in another hospital. SHRV rate alone would inevitably underestimate the true revisit rate. DHRV is associated with the hospital level and annual ED volume, and there is increased likelihood of DHRV if patient's index ED visit being a local hospital.
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Observational Study
What happens in the shock room stays in the shock room? A time-based audio/video audit framework for trauma team performance analysis.
A precise tool for analysis of trauma team performance is missing. ⋯ During the study period, we were able to measure the time needed for certain steps in trauma patient evaluation and management. Based on this analysis, a performance improvement program will be devised, including the HybridLab medical simulation, audio/video debriefing, and individualised feedback sessions.