Articles: emergency-services.
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The Pulmonary Embolism Rule-Out Criteria (PERC), developed to minimize unnecessary testing in low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) cases, lacks clear validation in the context of COVID-19. ⋯ The study demonstrates that the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the PERC are comparable in COVID-19 positive and negative patients. Furthermore, the incidence of PE among patients presenting to the emergency department did not significantly differ based on COVID-19 status. While this study highlights the relevance of the PERC in clinical decision-making, caution is advised as the PERC may not always provide reliable results when used as the sole diagnostic test.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Multicenter StudyIs clinician reported practice in Western Australian emergency departments aligned with direct discharge pathway protocols for minor self-limiting fractures? A multi-centre professional survey.
To determine ED clinician's current management for five common minor self-limiting fractures (MSLF) and evaluate practice against evidence-informed direct discharge pathway (DD) protocols. ⋯ Survey results suggested system wide variation in ED fracture management practice and target areas for service improvement. Avenues for service improvement could include hospital wide agreed management plans for specific fractures and support for less experienced clinicians.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2024
Comparative StudyComparison of the BIG Score and Pediatric Trauma Score for Predicting Mortality.
The BIG score (base deficit + [2.5 × international normalized ratio] + [15 - Glasgow Coma Score]) was compared with the Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS) for predicting mortality in pediatric patients with multiple trauma. ⋯ Both the PTS and the BIG score were strong predictors of mortality in pediatric patients with multiple trauma. The BIG score had a higher specificity and PPV, whereas a PTS of 7 had 100% sensitivity and a higher NPV.
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Pediatric emergency care · Dec 2024
Utility of a Smart Device Infrared Camera in Localizing Acute Pediatric Long Bone Fractures: A Pilot Study.
Musculoskeletal injuries are one of the top 10 reasons children present to the emergency department (ED). Infrared thermal imaging (IRT) is a noninvasive and nonradiating imaging modality that can detect subtle temperature differences. IRT may be used to detect the presence of musculoskeletal injury. ⋯ This pilot study shows that the use of smart device infrared camera attachments is feasible and has promising results in fracture localization. This could allow for a decrease in radiographs and be particularly useful in resource-limited areas.
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Emerg Med Australas · Dec 2024
Observational StudyFactors associated with difficult intravenous access in the paediatric emergency department: A prospective cohort study.
Although it is the most performed invasive procedure, peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion in children can be difficult. The primary objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) in the paediatric ED, including patient, proceduralist and situational factors. ⋯ The present study identified multiple patient, proceduralist and situational factors that were associated with DIVA in the paediatric ED. Future studies should explore the development and implementation of a package to address DIVA in children, with the patient-centred goals of reducing pain and improving success.