Articles: emergency-services.
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The nurse triage process in an accident and emergency (A&E) department was audited as part of the nursing quality assurance programme. It was found that in most cases documentation was adequate and guidelines had been adhered to. ⋯ Waiting time improvements were also seen. Triage audit was a useful tool in the continuous quality improvement effort.
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To compare record keeping and decision making in accident and emergency departments before and after distribution of guidelines on head injury management as indices of implementation. ⋯ Recording practice and decision making were variable and had not consistently improved after dissemination of the guidelines. Strategies are required to ensure effective implementation of guidelines.
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The ED care of the patient with trauma can be facilitated by the establishment of protocols to ensure prompt access to lifesaving and limb-saving procedures and care. Specific protocols for patients with trauma support assessment and treatment in both the emergency and long-term phases of care.