Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Mental health presentations in young people are increasing. Recurrence of self-harm (SH) presentations is common and of great concern since self-harm is known to be a risk factor for suicide. Previous reports suggest that the ED experience for this group is poor. A study was carried out at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. The objective was to pilot new and existing measures to capture the perceived needs and expectations of young people attending ED following SH compared with those attending with suspected fractures (SFs). ⋯ Our findings underline the similarities between the two groups in terms of their expectations of care. Terminating the study early at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic has precluded any further firm conclusions to be drawn. Further research is needed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of serial cardiopulmonary point-of-care ultrasound exams in patients with acute dyspnoea: a randomised, controlled trial.
Serial point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) can potentially improve acute patient care through treatment adjusted to the dynamic ultrasound findings. The objective was to investigate if treatment guided by monitoring patients with acute dyspnoea with serial cardiopulmonary PoCUS and usual care could reduce the severity of dyspnoea compared with usual care alone. ⋯ Therapy guided by serial cardiopulmonary PoCUS may, together with usual care, facilitate greater improvement in the severity of dyspnoea, especially in patients with AHF compared with usual care with a single PoCUS in the ED. Serial PoCUS should therefore be considered for routine use to aid the physician in stabilising the patient faster.