Articles: emergency-services.
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Comparative Study
Healthcare professionals' perceptions of patient safety in European emergency departments: a comparative analysis of survey results.
Patient safety is a significant concern worldwide. The Emergency Departments (EDs) are vulnerable to adverse events. Europe, with its diverse healthcare systems, differs in patient safety. ⋯ Each country displayed unique safety concerns. Safety perceptions did not align with per capita healthcare expenditure, indicating that addressing ED safety needs multifaceted strategies. Policymakers can leverage these findings to inform strategic planning, encouraging targeted interventions to enhance patient safety at both the national and European levels.
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To investigate whether the timing of a previous hospital admission for acute heart failure (AHF) is a prognostic factor for AHF patients revisiting the emergency department (ED) in the subsequent 12-month follow-up. All ED AHF patients enrolled in the previously described EAHFE registry were stratified by the presence or absence of an AHF hospitalization admission in the prior 12 months. The primary outcome was 12-month all-cause mortality post ED visit. ⋯ The 12-month mortality was 37% (41.7% vs. 28.3% p < 0.001), hospital admission was 76.1% (78.8% vs. 71.1% p < 0.001) ACE was 60.2% (65.1% vs. 50.5% p < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, patients with AHF hospitalization in the prior 12 months had a higher mortality (HR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.27-1.56), 90-day ACE rate (HR = 1.45: 95% CI 1.32-1.59), and more hospital admissions (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.16-1.51), with shorter times since the previous hospitalization being related to the outcomes analyzed. One-year mortality, adverse events at 90 days, and readmission rates are increased in ED AHF patients previously admitted within the last 12 months.
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Dog bite injuries are a preventable yet common cause of animal related hospitalisation. Dog bites in metropolitan areas have been well characterised however there is limited information regarding dog bites in regional areas. This study sought to describe the demographics, clinical presentation and short-term outcomes of patients presenting with dog bite related injuries to Broome Regional Hospital (BRH). ⋯ Dog-bite trauma is common and consumes significant health resources associated with ED presentations, hospital admissions, theatre usage and transfer in severe cases. A multifaceted approach encompassing education, engineering, and enforcement is required to prevent dog bites.