Can J Emerg Med
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Assessing a learner in the course of a hectic emergency department (ED) rotation is a daunting task for both experienced and new supervisors. This is particularly true if the learner is not doing well. ⋯ It is critical that teachers strive for clarity, consistency, honesty, and adherence to due process in their learner assessments. This article provides an evidence-informed approach to succeeding with such an approach to clinical assessment.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Examination of staphylococcal stethoscope contamination in the emergency department (pilot) study (EXSSCITED pilot study).
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus-contaminated stethoscopes belonging to emergency department (ED) staff and to identify the proportion of these that were Staphylococcus aureus or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ⋯ This study indicates that although stethoscope contamination rates in these EDs are high, the prevalence of S. aureus or MRSA on stethoscopes is low.
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We explore the health care literature and draw on two decades of experience in the provision of medical care at mass gatherings and special events to illustrate the complementary aspects of mass gathering medical support and disaster medicine. Most communities have occasions during which large numbers of people assemble in public or private spaces for the purpose of celebrating or participating in musical, sporting, cultural, religious, political, and other events. Collectively, these events are referred to as mass gatherings. The planning, preparation, and delivery of health-related services at mass gatherings are understood to be within the discipline of emergency medicine. As well, we note that owing to international events in recent years, there has been a heightened awareness of and interest in disaster medicine and the level of community preparedness for disasters. We propose that a synergy exists between mass gathering medicine and disaster medicine. ⋯ There are several practical opportunities to link the two fields in a proactive manner. These opportunities should be pursued as a way to improve the level of disaster preparedness at the municipal, provincial, and national levels.