Articles: emergency-department.
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Pediatric emergency care · May 2015
Case ReportsA rare cause of respiratory distress in the emergency department: anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery.
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery is the most common cause of myocardial ischemia and infarction in children and infants. Most of the affected individuals become symptomatic, owing to dilated cardiomyopathy during the infant period. Because of congestive heart failure, pulmonary congestion and respiratory distress can be seen. Herein, we report a 35-day-old infant with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery who presented with respiratory distress and dilated cardiomyopathy to draw attention to this rare surgically treatable anomaly.
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To identify perceived prevalence, characteristics, precipitating factors and suggestions for improving workplace violence in all nine public emergency departments in the Cyprus Republic. ⋯ Training, security policies, encouragement of reporting and support for staff after a violent incident are needed. Future research should try to include the perpetrator's viewpoint.
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Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs · May 2015
Developing a programme of patient 'streaming' in an emergency department.
Orthopaedic and musculoskeletal injuries are commonly identified in the emergency department (ED). Whilst much orthopaedic trauma literature focuses on fractures of the proximal femur, raising key issues such as length of stay and timely discharge, the start of the patients' journey is just as important in ensuring an appropriate assessment and a smooth transition through each stage of care. In the UK targets have been set for proximal hip fractured patients to attend theatre within 48 hours of admission, if fit. ⋯ The emergency department triage system has been used in the UK in its latest format since 2001, yet elderly patients with painful Colles fractures find they wait for specialist attention in a linear queue, possibly over extended lengths of time. This short paper explores how 'streaming' patients in one local ED has improved waiting/treatment times, and identified the fact that in some months (December 2012), 1 in 3 attendees present with a musculoskeletal problem. Using audit data collected over the last four years the benefits of 'streaming' patients is evident.
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Emergency department waiting rooms are high risk, high liability areas for hospitals. Patients who are greeted by non-clinical personnel or who are not being placed in available beds increases wait times and prevent patients from receiving timely treatment and access to care. ⋯ A system should be in place that allows for immediate bedding wherever possible. Transitioning to immediate bedding requires a culture change. Staff engagement is essential to achieving such a culture shift.