European journal of emergency medicine : official journal of the European Society for Emergency Medicine
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To assess the diagnostic characteristics of the get up and go test (GUGT) as a stand-alone test and in combination with the Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool (fTRST) and Rowland questionnaire. One aim was to determine whether the diagnostic accuracy of these instruments could be improved for predicting unplanned emergency department (ED) readmission following ED discharge. ⋯ Neither the objective measure of mobility (GUGT) nor the combined fTRST/GUGT or Rowland/GUGT improved the results. Our analysis shows that the predictive accuracy of the stand-alone, self-reported screening instruments fTRST and Rowland (cut-off=2) is still good. This study also confirmed their previously known limitations.
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Emergency Department (ED) patient arrivals vary daily and change considerably during holidays, posing challenges to resource allocation. Ramadan, during which observant Muslims follow a daily fasting period for ∼30 days, could represent a unique annual circumstance that predictably alters ED arrivals in predominantly Muslim populations. Our study examined an adult and pediatric ED in the United Arab Emirates to determine whether arrival patterns and patient characteristics differed during Ramadan. ⋯ A distinct, predictable pattern of arrivals emerged during Ramadan. EDs serving predominantly Muslim populations or anticipating increases in Muslim patients in their catchment region may benefit from advanced planning for efficient distribution of provider hours during Ramadan.
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Emergency Departments and out-of-hours General Practitioner services collaborate increasingly in Urgent Care Collaborations (UCCs) by sharing one combined entrance and joint triage. The aim of this study is to examine the difference between UCCs and providers who operate separately with respect to the efficiency of patient flow. ⋯ The results indicate that, on average, UCCs do not enhance the efficiency of patient flow. The median LOS and WT are longer in UCCs and more handovers occur in UCCs compared with usual care.
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Emergency Department Cardiac Arrests are typically classified with in-hospital cardiac arrests, but are yet to be well described as a distinct clinical entity. This study provides an Utstein style report on Emergency Department Cardiac Arrests, and identifies factors associated with survival. ⋯ This is the first Utstein style report on Emergency Department Cardiac Arrests. A high survival rate with good neurological outcomes was found in this population. The initial rhythm and time to return of spontaneous circulation have been identified as survival factors and may be used to guide decision-making during resuscitation.
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Characteristics of older frequent users of Emergency Departments (EDs) are poorly understood. Our aim was to examine the characteristics of the ED frequent attenders (FAs) by age (under 65 and over 65 years). ⋯ One-in-five ED patients older than 65 years of age are FAs. Older FAs largely present with complex medical conditions. Enhanced access to expert gerontology assessment should be considered as part of effective intervention strategies for older ED users.