Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Multicenter Study
Derivation and validation of a risk-stratification model for patients with probable or proven COVID-19 in EDs: the revised HOME-CoV score.
The HOME-CoV (Hospitalisation or Outpatient ManagEment of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection) score is a validated list of uniquely clinical criteria indicating which patients with probable or proven COVID-19 can be treated at home. The aim of this study was to optimise the score to improve its ability to discriminate between patients who do and do not need admission. ⋯ The revised HOME-CoV score, which does not require laboratory testing, may allow accurate risk stratification and safely qualify a significant proportion of patients with probable or proven COVID-19 for home treatment.
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Observational Study
Which low urgent triaged febrile children are suitable for a fast track? An observational European study.
The number of paediatric patients visiting the ED with non-urgent problems is increasing, leading to poor patient flow and ED crowding. Fast track aims to improve the efficiency of evaluation and discharge of low acuity patients. We aimed to identify which febrile children are suitable for a fast track based on presenting symptoms and management. ⋯ We determined that febrile children triaged as low urgent with respiratory symptoms were most suitable for a fast track. This study provides evidence for which children could be triaged to a fast track, potentially improving overall patient flow at the ED.
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In 2019, the emergency medical services (EMS) covering the western Norway Regional Health Authority area implemented its version of the prehospital clinical criteria G-FAST (Gaze deviation, Facial palsy, Arm weakness, Visual loss, Speech disturbance) to detect acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO). For patients with gaze deviation and at least one other G-FAST symptom, a primary stroke centre (PSC) may be bypassed and the patient taken directly to a comprehensive stroke centre (CSC) for rapid endovascular treatment (EVT) evaluation. The study aim was to investigate the efficacy of the G-FAST criteria for LVO patient selection and direct transfer to a CSC. ⋯ The use of local G-FAST prehospital criteria by EMS personnel to identify patients with AIS with LVO is not suitable for selection of patients with LVO for direct transfer to a CSC.