European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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Burnout is a common problem among healthcare professionals (HCPs), in particular young doctors and nurses working in emergency medical services. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated a substantial increase in the workload of those working in front-line services, and there is evidence of physical and mental distress among professionals that may have caused an increase in burnout. ⋯ In this study, there is a high reported level of burnout among emergency HCPs. Several risk factors were identified such as being understaffed, female, or having less experience. HCPs with burnout thought more frequently about leaving the workplace, posing a threat to healthcare systems.
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Rapid antigen point-of-care tests (antigen POC tests) are frequently used to detect COVID-19 infections. Based on clinical impressions, we suspected that the sensitivity of antigen POC tests might be lower in vaccinated patients. ⋯ Point-of-care antigen tests are likely not useful for ruling out SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in vaccinated and asymptomatic patients, potentially due to lower viral load. Moreover, the use of these tests might lead to a false sense of security, especially when used by the public as part of a public health testing strategy.
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Telephone triage service in emergency care has been introduced in many countries, and it is important to determine the effect of telephone triage service on the outcome of emergency patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of telephone triage service on the outcome of emergency patients using propensity score. ⋯ This study revealed that the use of the telephone triage service in Osaka city, Japan was associated with better outcomes of patients transported by ambulance.