Scand J Trauma Resus
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyBlood sample tube transporting system versus point of care technology in an emergency department; effect on time from collection to reporting? A randomised trial.
Time is a crucial factor in an emergency department and the effectiveness of diagnosing depends on, among other things, the accessibility of rapid reported laboratory test results; i.e.: a short turnaround time (TAT). Former studies have shown a reduced time to action when point of care technologies (POCT) are used in emergency departments. This study assesses the hypothesis, that using Point of Care Technology in analysing blood samples versus tube transporting blood samples for laboratory analyses results in shorter time from the blood sample is collected to the result is reported in an emergency department. ⋯ We found a significantly reduced time from collecting to reporting using Point of Care Technology (POCT) in an emergency department compared to tube transported blood samples for central laboratory analyses.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2012
ReviewMethods for evaluating cervical range of motion in trauma settings.
Immobilisation of the cervical spine is a common procedure following traumatic injury. This is often precautionary as the actual incidence of spinal injury is low. Nonetheless, stabilisation of the head and neck is an important part of pre-hospital care due to the catastrophic damage that may follow if further unrestricted movement occurs in the presence of an unstable spinal injury. ⋯ Latterly, new approaches using virtual reality and simulation have been developed. Coupled with modern electromagnetic tracking technology this has considerable potential for effective application in future research. However, use of these technologies in real life settings can be problematic and more research is needed.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2012
Multicenter StudyFactors impacting on the activation and approach times of helicopter emergency medical services in four Alpine countries.
The outcome of severely injured or ill patients can be time dependent. Short activation and approach times for emergency medical service (EMS) units are widely recognized to be important quality indicators. The use of a helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) can significantly shorten rescue missions especially in mountainous areas. We aimed to analyze the HEMS characteristics that influence the activation and approach times. ⋯ An improvement in HEMS activation and approach times is possible. We found 17 factors associated with shorter times.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2012
Randomized Controlled TrialEvaluation of a newly developed media-supported 4-step approach for basic life support training.
The quality of external chest compressions (ECC) is of primary importance within basic life support (BLS). Recent guidelines delineate the so-called 4"-step approach" for teaching practical skills within resuscitation training guided by a certified instructor. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a "media-supported 4-step approach" for BLS training leads to equal practical performance compared to the standard 4-step approach. ⋯ The "media-supported 4-step approach" leads to comparable practical ECC-performance compared to standard teaching, even with respect to retention of skills. Therefore, this approach could be useful in special educational settings where, for example, instructors' resources are sparse or large-group sessions have to be prepared.
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Scand J Trauma Resus · Jan 2012
Comparative StudyPhysician-led team triage based on lean principles may be superior for efficiency and quality? A comparison of three emergency departments with different triage models.
The management of emergency departments (EDs) principally involves maintaining effective patient flow and care. Different triage models are used today to achieve these two goals. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of different triage models used in three Swedish EDs. Using efficiency and quality indicators, we compared the following triage models: physician-led team triage, nurse first/emergency physician second, and nurse first/junior physician second. ⋯ Physician-led team triage seemed advantageous, both expressed as efficiency and quality indicators, compared with the two other models.