Articles: emergency-medicine.
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Multicenter Study
Competency in electrocardiogram interpretation among internal medicine and emergency medicine residents.
Accurate interpretation of the electrocardiogram is critical, yet there are no evidence-based guidelines for assessing competency. Our study evaluated the ability of internal medicine residents and emergency medicine residents to interpret a variety of electrocardiograms. ⋯ Despite improvement in interpretation with clinical experience, overall performance was low. Research is needed to find optimal methods to improve electrocardiogram competency.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2005
Multicenter StudyA national survey of Turkish emergency physicians perspectives regarding family witnessed cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
We investigated Turkish emergency physicians' views regarding family witnessed resuscitation (FWR) and to determine the current practice in Turkish academic emergency departments with regard to family members during resuscitation. A national cross-sectional, anonymous survey of emergency physicians working in academic emergency departments was conducted. Nineteen of the 23 university-based emergency medicine programs participated in the study. ⋯ Of the respondents, 83% did not endorse FWR. The most common reasons for not endorsing FWR was reported as higher stress levels of the resuscitation team and fear of causing physiological trauma to family members. Previous experience, previous knowledge in FWR, higher level of training and the acceptance of FWR in the institution where the participant works were associated with higher rates of FWR endorsement for this practice among emergency physicians.
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Emergency medical service systems in Norway are based on equity and equality. A toll free number (113) and criteria based dispatch are crucial components. The establishment of an emergency medical system (EMS) manned by an air and ground emergency physician (EP) has challenged the role of the general practitioner (GP) in emergency medical care. We investigated whether there were any geographical differences in the use of 113, alerts to GPs by the emergency medical dispatch centres (EMDCs), and of the presence of GPs on scene in medical emergencies leading to a turnout of the EP manned EMS. ⋯ We found geographical differences in the involvement of GPs in pre-hospital emergency medical situations, probably caused by a specialised emergency medical service system including an EMDC and an air and ground EP manned EMS. There were geographical differences in public use of the toll free 113, and alerts to GPs by the EMDCs, which is likely to result from geographical conditions and proximity to medical resources. Future organisation of the EMS has to reflect this to prevent unplanned and unwanted autonomously emerging EMS systems.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
The emerging role of the emergency care practitioner.
To examine the emerging role of the emergency care practitioner (ECP) with comparisons to paramedic practice. Key activities were identified of newly appointed ECPs using qualitative methodology and a qualitative and quantitative comparison of patient treatment was made. ⋯ The results indicate that an investment in the ECP role could be beneficial, however, more work is required to evaluate the development of practice, the quality of care, and cost benefits.
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Multicenter Study
Are we training junior doctors to respond to major incidents? A survey of doctors in the Wessex region.
To assess the current status of awareness and training of junior medical staff in the Wessex region in the event of a "conventional" major incident. ⋯ Most middle grade staff in Wessex were not confident of their role in the event of a major incident. Most SpRs questioned had never attended a major incident training exercise.