Search

Background: Emergency nurses are responsible for the initial assessment, management and safety of critically ill patients. HIRAID, an evidence-informed emergency nursing assessment framework, is known to improve emergency nursing patient-assessment in the simulated environment however has not been evaluated in the clinical setting. Methods: A pre-post design was used to assess the usability and impact of HIRAID on emergency nurses self-efficacy in the emergency department (ED). Nursing and medical staff from three Australian EDs were surveyed. Descriptive and optimal pooled sample t-tests statistics were conducted. Results: One hundred and two emergency nurses completed the pre-intervention self-efficacy survey and 63 completed the post-intervention self-efficacy and satisfaction survey. Forty-two and 17 medical officers completed the pre- and post-intervention satisfaction surveys, respectively. Nursing staff self-efficacy levels were unchanged pre- and post-HIRAID implementation (Mean (SD): 8.8 (0.21) vs. 8.7 (0.20)) as was medical staff satisfaction (Mean (SD):7.5 (1.43) vs. 7.8 (1.07)), although there was a trend towards improved communication. Conclusion: The HIRAID structured approach to patient assessment is acceptable, feasible, practical and appropriate for use in the clinical environment. Further research will demonstrate the direct effects of HIRAID on clinical performance.

Background: Emergency nurses are responsible for the initial assessment, management and safety of critically ill patients. HIRAID, an evidence-informed emergency nursing assessment framework, is known to improve emergency nursing patient-assessment in the simulated environment however has not been evaluated in the clinical setting. Methods: A pre-post design was used to assess the usability and impact of HIRAID on emergency nurses self-efficacy in the emergency department (ED). Nursing and medical staff from three Australian EDs were surveyed. Descriptive and optimal pooled sample t-tests statistics were conducted. Results: One hundred and two emergency nurses completed the pre-intervention self-efficacy survey and 63 completed the post-intervention self-efficacy and satisfaction survey. Forty-two and 17 medical officers completed the pre- and post-intervention satisfaction surveys, respectively. Nursing staff self-efficacy levels were unchanged pre- and post-HIRAID implementation (Mean (SD): 8.8 (0.21) vs. 8.7 (0.20)) as was medical staff satisfaction (Mean (SD):7.5 (1.43) vs. 7.8 (1.07)), although there was a trend towards improved communication. Conclusion: The HIRAID structured approach to patient assessment is acceptable, feasible, practical and appropriate for use in the clinical environment. Further research will demonstrate the direct effects of HIRAID on clinical performance.

© 2020 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Objective: In trauma patients with potential cervical spine injury, immobilisation with a rigid cervical collar is widely recommended to prevent a secondary spinal cord injury. There is a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of this practice, but increasing evidence for complications from rigid collars. Soft foam collars may mitigate some of these issues and are used in our health service in place of rigid collars in selected patients at risk for traumatic cervical spine injury. The objective of the present study was to describe the neurological outcome of patients according to the cervical stabilisation technique used. Methods: A multi-centre, retrospective, consecutive, case series of all patients assessed for a traumatic cervical spine injury from October 2017 to July 2018 was conducted. Data were obtained by a medical chart review. The primary outcome was the development of a new neurological deficit because of spinal cord injury while in hospital. Results: Inter-rater reliability of data abstraction demonstrated very strong agreement (kappa 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.80–0.90). Of 2036 patients, 1133 were managed in a soft collar. A new neurological deficit because of spinal cord injury developed in two patients managed in a rigid collar. One case managed in a soft collar was uncertain because of an incomplete baseline neurological examination. Conclusion: The use of soft foam cervical collars in patients at risk for a cervical spine injury does not appear to increase the risk for secondary spinal cord injury but larger prospective studies are required before a robust conclusion on safety can be claimed.

© 2020 Background: In response to increasing emergency department presentations and wait times in Australia, multiple strategies and models of care have been implemented with varying results. One effective strategy has been the implementation of pre-hospital blood collection by paramedics when they insert an intravenous cannula. This research aims to determine the efficiency of and barriers to wider implementation of a pre-hospital blood collection trial in a regional context. In particular, to evaluate the impact of the pre-hospital blood collection on time to pathology results and error rates, and paramedic opinion. Methods: This retrospective controlled cohort study was conducted over 12 months from August 2018. Emergency and pathology data were used to determine the haemolysis and error rates, as well as the time to result availability of pre-hospital blood collection samples compared to in hospital samples arrived by ambulance. To determine the facilitators and barriers to wider implementation a survey of 48 paramedics was conducted following completion of the 12-month trial. The survey was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework, a behavior change theory associated with improved uptake when applied. Findings: Overall 237 samples were collected. There was a 65% (51 min) reduction in time taken for samples to be received at pathology and a 38% (50 min) improvement in time taken for results to return from pathology for patients arrived by ambulance. There were no labelling errors in the pre-hospital blood collection group or change in haemolysis rates. The majority (79%) of paramedics who completed the survey were optimistic about the protocol improving patient outcomes and 89% regarded the change in practice as acceptable. Three main themes emerged: 1. Training, environmental challenges and adequate equipment; 2. increased efficiency and improved patient care and 3. Prerequisites to implementing a new practice. Integration of Quantitative and Qualitative d

Injury is the leading cause of hospitalisation of children in Australia and can cause ongoing physical and psychological morbidity. Hospital staff provide excellent physical care to injured children, but there is a need for models of care that improve psychosocial care. To address this gap, a trauma support social work service was trialled at an Australian paediatric trauma hospital, to guide families of injured children through the healthcare system from the day of the child’s injury to 6 months following discharge. A mixed methods approach was used to evaluate the service and used a range of data sources—trauma registry records, the Trauma Support Coordinator (TSC) journal, staff surveys, and interviews. Findings from this small study suggest the TSC was able to improve the coordination of care, provide information, and meet the emotional needs of families of injured children. Ways to improve the effectiveness and acceptance of the TSC role were also identified. IMPLICATIONS Injured children should be allocated a dedicated TSC for their entire stay in hospital to provide continuity of care for the child and their family. Situating the TSC role in the Emergency Department will allow for early contact with families when support is most crucial. Incorporation of the TSC role into the social work roster will reduce “doubling up” of psychosocial services offered to families.

Introduction: The availability and implementation of evidence-based care is essential to achieving safe, quality trauma patient outcomes. Little is documented, however, about the challenges trauma clinicians face in their day-to day practice, or their views on the availability of evidence. This paper presents the most significant clinical practice challenges reported by multidisciplinary trauma care professionals in Australia and New Zealand, in particular those that may be resolved with focussed research or enhanced implementation activity. Methods: An exploratory survey of trauma professionals from relevant Australia and New Zealand professional organisations was conducted between September 2018 and February 2019 using the Snowballing Method. Participants were recruited via a non-random sampling technique to complete an online survey. Thematic analyses were conducted. Results: There were nine significant clinical practice challenge themes in trauma care, arising from 287 individual clinical practice challenges reported. The most reported being clinical management (bleeding, spinal, older patients) and operationalisation of the trauma system. There was no consensus as to the availability of evidence to guide each theme. Conclusion: Future research should seek to address the clinical practice challenge of Australian and New Zealand trauma community to enable safe, quality trauma patient outcomes.

Introduction: Injury is a leading cause of death and disability world-wide. Little is known about the day-to-day challenges the trauma clinicians face in their practice that they feel could be improved through an increased evidence base. This study explored and ranked the trauma clinical practice research priorities of trauma care professionals across Australia and New Zealand. Methods: A modified-Delphi study was conducted between September 2019 and January 2020. The study employed two rounds of online survey of trauma professionals from relevant Australia and New Zealand professional organisations using snowballing method. Participants were asked to rank the importance of 29 recommendations, each corresponding to a key challenge in trauma care delivery. Decisions on the priorities of the challenges were determined by a consensus of >70% of respondents ranking the challenge as important or very important. Results: One hundred and fifty-five participants completed Round One, and 106 participants completed Round Two. A total of 15 recommendations reached >70% in Round One. Nine recommendations also reached >70% consensus in Round Two. Recommendations ranked highest were ‘Caring for elderly trauma patients’, ‘Identifying and validating key performance indicators for trauma system benchmarking and improvement’, and ‘Management of traumatic brain injury’. Conclusion: This study identified the priority areas for trauma research as determined by clinician ranking of the most important for informing and improving their practice. Addressing these areas generates potential to improve the quality and safety of trauma care in Australian and New Zealand.

Introduction: The Australia New Zealand Trauma Registry enables the collection and analysis of standardised data about trauma patients and their care for quality improvement, injury prevention and benchmarking. Little is known, however, about the needs of providers and clinicians in relation to these data, or their views on trauma quality improvement priorities. As clinical experts, trauma clinicians should have input to these as ultimately their practice may be influenced by report findings. This paper presents the perspectives of multidisciplinary trauma care professionals in Australia and New Zealand about the use of the Australia New Zealand Trauma Registry data and trauma quality improvement priorities. Methods: An exploratory survey of trauma professionals from relevant Australia and New Zealand professional organisations was conducted using the Snowballing Method between September 2018 and February 2019. Participants were recruited via a non-random sampling technique to complete an online survey. Descriptive statistical and content analyses were conducted. Results: The data use priorities identified by 102 trauma professionals from a range of locations participated were clinical improvement and system/process improvement (86.3%). Participants reported that access to trauma data should primarily be for clinicians (93.1%) and researchers (87.3%). Having a standardised approach to review trauma cases across hospitals was a priority in trauma quality improvement. Conclusion: Trauma registry data are under-utilised and their use to drive clinical improvement and system/process improvement is fundamental to trauma quality improvement in Australia and New Zealand.

Background: Emergency nurses are responsible for the initial assessment, management and safety of critically ill patients. HIRAID, an evidence-informed emergency nursing assessment framework, is known to improve emergency nursing patient-assessment in the simulated environment however has not been evaluated in the clinical setting. Methods: A pre-post design was used to assess the usability and impact of HIRAID on emergency nurses self-efficacy in the emergency department (ED). Nursing and medical staff from three Australian EDs were surveyed. Descriptive and optimal pooled sample t-tests statistics were conducted. Results: One hundred and two emergency nurses completed the pre-intervention self-efficacy survey and 63 completed the post-intervention self-efficacy and satisfaction survey. Forty-two and 17 medical officers completed the pre- and post-intervention satisfaction surveys, respectively. Nursing staff self-efficacy levels were unchanged pre- and post-HIRAID implementation (Mean (SD): 8.8 (0.21) vs. 8.7 (0.20)) as was medical staff satisfaction (Mean (SD):7.5 (1.43) vs. 7.8 (1.07)), although there was a trend towards improved communication. Conclusion: The HIRAID structured approach to patient assessment is acceptable, feasible, practical and appropriate for use in the clinical environment. Further research will demonstrate the direct effects of HIRAID on clinical performance.

Background: Emergency nurses are responsible for the initial assessment, management and safety of critically ill patients. HIRAID, an evidence-informed emergency nursing assessment framework, is known to improve emergency nursing patient-assessment in the simulated environment however has not been evaluated in the clinical setting. Methods: A pre-post design was used to assess the usability and impact of HIRAID on emergency nurses self-efficacy in the emergency department (ED). Nursing and medical staff from three Australian EDs were surveyed. Descriptive and optimal pooled sample t-tests statistics were conducted. Results: One hundred and two emergency nurses completed the pre-intervention self-efficacy survey and 63 completed the post-intervention self-efficacy and satisfaction survey. Forty-two and 17 medical officers completed the pre- and post-intervention satisfaction surveys, respectively. Nursing staff self-efficacy levels were unchanged pre- and post-HIRAID implementation (Mean (SD): 8.8 (0.21) vs. 8.7 (0.20)) as was medical staff satisfaction (Mean (SD):7.5 (1.43) vs. 7.8 (1.07)), although there was a trend towards improved communication. Conclusion: The HIRAID structured approach to patient assessment is acceptable, feasible, practical and appropriate for use in the clinical environment. Further research will demonstrate the direct effects of HIRAID on clinical performance.

Introduction: The psychological distress and risk of mental health problems for parents of children with critical injury is well-established. There has been little exploration, however, of parent experiences and psychosocial trajectories over time following child critical injury. To address this knowledge gap, a longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore parent experiences and support needs and identify parent psychosocial trajectories in the 12 months following child critical injury. Methods: Semi- structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 parents at three time points over a 12 month period: the immediate hospital period post-child injury, and 6 and 12 months following injury, resulting in a total of 81 interviews. Data were analysed using a longitudinal within and across-case thematic analysis of patterns emerging over time. Findings: Three parent trajectory patterns were identified: resilient trajectory where parents were temporarily disrupted by the child's injury and hospitalisation, but recovered their mental and emotional wellbeing quickly, which was maintained over time; recovering trajectory where parents were initially disrupted at the time of injury but their mental and emotional wellbeing fluctuated over time and had not been fully restored by 12 months; and distressed trajectory where parents experienced significant psychosocial disruption due to their child's injury and struggled to adapt and regain their wellbeing over time, remaining emotionally distressed about the circumstances and impacts of the injury on their child and family. Illustrative narratives that represent each trajectory are presented. Conclusions: This is the first qualitative study to report the psychosocial trajectories of parents of critically injured children. Clinical application of insights provided by these trajectories can assist clinicians to use targeted strategies to help strengthen parental adaptation and prevent adverse mental health outcomes, and

Introduction: The psychological distress and risk of mental health problems for parents of children with critical injury is well-established. There has been little exploration, however, of parent experiences and psychosocial trajectories over time following child critical injury. To address this knowledge gap, a longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore parent experiences and support needs and identify parent psychosocial trajectories in the 12 months following child critical injury. Methods: Semi- structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 parents at three time points over a 12 month period: the immediate hospital period post-child injury, and 6 and 12 months following injury, resulting in a total of 81 interviews. Data were analysed using a longitudinal within and across-case thematic analysis of patterns emerging over time. Findings: Three parent trajectory patterns were identified: resilient trajectory where parents were temporarily disrupted by the child's injury and hospitalisation, but recovered their mental and emotional wellbeing quickly, which was maintained over time; recovering trajectory where parents were initially disrupted at the time of injury but their mental and emotional wellbeing fluctuated over time and had not been fully restored by 12 months; and distressed trajectory where parents experienced significant psychosocial disruption due to their child's injury and struggled to adapt and regain their wellbeing over time, remaining emotionally distressed about the circumstances and impacts of the injury on their child and family. Illustrative narratives that represent each trajectory are presented. Conclusions: This is the first qualitative study to report the psychosocial trajectories of parents of critically injured children. Clinical application of insights provided by these trajectories can assist clinicians to use targeted strategies to help strengthen parental adaptation and prevent adverse mental health outcomes, and

Introduction: The psychological distress and risk of mental health problems for parents of children with critical injury is well-established. There has been little exploration, however, of parent experiences and psychosocial trajectories over time following child critical injury. To address this knowledge gap, a longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore parent experiences and support needs and identify parent psychosocial trajectories in the 12 months following child critical injury. Methods: Semi- structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 parents at three time points over a 12 month period: the immediate hospital period post-child injury, and 6 and 12 months following injury, resulting in a total of 81 interviews. Data were analysed using a longitudinal within and across-case thematic analysis of patterns emerging over time. Findings: Three parent trajectory patterns were identified: resilient trajectory where parents were temporarily disrupted by the child's injury and hospitalisation, but recovered their mental and emotional wellbeing quickly, which was maintained over time; recovering trajectory where parents were initially disrupted at the time of injury but their mental and emotional wellbeing fluctuated over time and had not been fully restored by 12 months; and distressed trajectory where parents experienced significant psychosocial disruption due to their child's injury and struggled to adapt and regain their wellbeing over time, remaining emotionally distressed about the circumstances and impacts of the injury on their child and family. Illustrative narratives that represent each trajectory are presented. Conclusions: This is the first qualitative study to report the psychosocial trajectories of parents of critically injured children. Clinical application of insights provided by these trajectories can assist clinicians to use targeted strategies to help strengthen parental adaptation and prevent adverse mental health outcomes, and

Introduction: The psychological distress and risk of mental health problems for parents of children with critical injury is well-established. There has been little exploration, however, of parent experiences and psychosocial trajectories over time following child critical injury. To address this knowledge gap, a longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore parent experiences and support needs and identify parent psychosocial trajectories in the 12 months following child critical injury. Methods: Semi- structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 parents at three time points over a 12 month period: the immediate hospital period post-child injury, and 6 and 12 months following injury, resulting in a total of 81 interviews. Data were analysed using a longitudinal within and across-case thematic analysis of patterns emerging over time. Findings: Three parent trajectory patterns were identified: resilient trajectory where parents were temporarily disrupted by the child's injury and hospitalisation, but recovered their mental and emotional wellbeing quickly, which was maintained over time; recovering trajectory where parents were initially disrupted at the time of injury but their mental and emotional wellbeing fluctuated over time and had not been fully restored by 12 months; and distressed trajectory where parents experienced significant psychosocial disruption due to their child's injury and struggled to adapt and regain their wellbeing over time, remaining emotionally distressed about the circumstances and impacts of the injury on their child and family. Illustrative narratives that represent each trajectory are presented. Conclusions: This is the first qualitative study to report the psychosocial trajectories of parents of critically injured children. Clinical application of insights provided by these trajectories can assist clinicians to use targeted strategies to help strengthen parental adaptation and prevent adverse mental health outcomes, and