Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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A short-cut review was carried out to establish which clinical parameters are useful in predicting outcome in patients who present having body packed metamphetamine. Eleven papers were found using the reported searches, of which one presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of that best paper are tabulated. It is concluded that there is a greater likelihood of severe outcomes if the presenting pulse is greater than 120 or the presenting temperature is greater than 38°C.
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In the UK, there is a continuing effort within the National Health Service to reduce patient waiting times in emergency departments (EDs). This audit aimed to evaluate whether a reporting radiographer-led discharge system could reduce waiting times from x-ray to discharge with no detrimental effect on patient outcomes. ⋯ The service reduced waiting times and re-attendance rates while improving the accuracy of diagnosis. The efficacy of such services should be further studied in relation to more complex patient groups.
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Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) has been used in the management of traumatic haemorrhage for a decade. Anecdotally, its use is decreasing. The aim of this study was to define the use of rFVIIa in UK deployed military hospitals over the last 5 years. ⋯ The use of rFVIIa in UK deployed military hospitals has declined since 2010, which is likely due to a combination of factors, including a change in resuscitation practice in these units, and a change in emphasis of manufacturer's guidance.
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The nuclear power plant accidents in Fukushima resulted in a widespread release of radioactive substances in the Fukushima prefecture. ⋯ These results provide information that may help with the targeting of health information after a nuclear disaster. This may contribute to determining an order of priority when distributing information after a nuclear disaster.