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This article provides a secondary analysis of a clinical trial on children with Bell's palsy, focusing on the prevalence and severity of pain in these patients. The study found that pain is not common in children with Bell's palsy and is more likely to occur early in the disease and in severe cases. The intensity of pain, if present, is generally low throughout the course of the illness. It is important for clinicians to assess for pain at the initial presentation and reassure patients and parents that it is unlikely to persist. However, persistent or high levels of pain may warrant consideration of alternative diagnoses. It is worth noting that the study did not include children with vesicles or possible Ramsay Hunt syndrome, so the findings may not apply to those conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: To investigate characteristics and management of children presenting with chest complaints to a tertiary paediatric ED post‐mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine. Methods: This was a retrospective medical record review with data linkage to the Australian Immunisation Register. The study setting was the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Children <18 years who had a troponin blood test performed in hospital within 14 days of receiving mRNA COVID‐19 vaccination were included. Elevated troponin and myocarditis or pericarditis as per Brighton criteria was the primary outcome. Vaccination status, length of stay, investigations and clinical management were secondary outcomes. Results: Six hundred and ten patients had a troponin test in 13 months. After exclusion of trauma‐related tests (n = 31), known cardiac patients (n = 75) and others (n = 145), 359 troponins were obtained due to chest complaints and related symptoms, with 283 troponins assessed to be mRNA vaccination‐related. There was a temporal peak in presentations with a 30‐fold monthly increase in troponin post‐commencement of mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. In those with chest complaints following mRNA vaccination, mean age was 14 years and 50.4% were female. Fourteen out of 283 (5%) vaccine‐related troponins were abnormal with 14 patients assessed to have vaccine‐associated myocarditis. No patients had pericarditis. Conclusions: There was a large number of possible mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine‐related chest complaints presenting to the ED. Few patients had abnormal troponins or myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to determine whether targeted interventions, proven to be effective at improving evidence‐based bronchiolitis management, changed factors previously found to influence variation in bronchiolitis management. Methods: This survey assessed change in factors influencing clinicians' (nurses and doctors) bronchiolitis management at baseline and post‐intervention in a cluster randomised controlled trial of targeted, theory‐informed interventions aiming to de‐implement non‐evidence‐based bronchiolitis management (no use of chest X‐ray, salbutamol, antibiotics, glucocorticoids and adrenaline). Survey questions addressed previously identified factors influencing bronchiolitis management from six Theoretical Domains Framework domains (knowledge; skills; beliefs about consequences; social/professional role and identity; environmental context and resources; social influences). Data analysis was descriptive. Results: A total of 1958 surveys (baseline = 996; post‐intervention = 962) were completed by clinicians from the emergency department and paediatric inpatient units from 26 hospitals (intervention = 13; control = 13). Targeted bronchiolitis interventions significantly increased knowledge of the Australasian Bronchiolitis Guideline (intervention clinicians = 74%, control = 39%, difference = 34.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 25.6–43.8%), improved skills in diagnosing (intervention doctors = 89%, control = 76%, difference = 12.6%, 95% CI = 6.2–19%) and managing bronchiolitis (intervention doctors = 87%, control = 76%, difference = 9.9%, 95% CI = 3.7–16.1%), positively influenced both beliefs about consequences regarding salbutamol use (intervention clinicians = 49%, control = 29%, difference = 20.3%, 95% CI = 13.2–27.4%) and nurses questioning non‐evidence‐based bronchiolitis management (chest X‐ray: intervention = 71%, control = 51%, difference = 20.8%, 95% CI = 11.4–30.2%; glucocorticoids: intervention = 64%, control = 40%, difference = 21.9%, 95% CI = 10.4–33.5%) (social/professional role and identity). A 14% improvement in evidence‐based bronchiolitis management favouring intervention hospitals was demonstrated in the cluster randomised controlled trial. Conclusion: Targeted interventions positively changed factors influencing bronchiolitis management resulting in improved evidence‐based bronchiolitis care. This study has important implications for improving bronchiolitis management and future development of interventions to de‐implement low‐value care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The willingness of male seaweed flies, Coelopa frigida, to mate is not determined by female size. This indicates that male mate choice does not take place in seaweed flies. It also appears that male size has an impact on willingness to mate in some species, indicating that sexual selection favouring large males could be restricted because of counteracting selection on willingness to mate. Large males could benefit from increased longevity, while small males are more active.

Background: Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospitalisation in infants. All international bronchiolitis guidelines recommend supportive care, yet considerable variation in practice continues with infants receiving non-evidence based therapies. We developed six targeted, theory-informed interventions; clinical leads, stakeholder meeting, train-the-trainer, education delivery, other educational materials, and audit and feedback. A cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) found the interventions to be effective in reducing use of five non-evidence based therapies in infants with bronchiolitis. This process evaluation paper aims to determine whether the interventions were implemented as planned (fidelity), explore end-users' perceptions of the interventions and evaluate cRCT outcome data with intervention fidelity data.Methods: A pre-specified mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted alongside the cRCT, guided by frameworks for process evaluation of cRCTs and complex interventions. Quantitative data on the fidelity, dose and reach of interventions were collected from the 13 intervention hospitals during the study and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data identifying perception and acceptability of interventions were collected from 42 intervention hospital clinical leads on study completion and analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The cRCT found targeted, theory-informed interventions improved bronchiolitis management by 14.1%. The process evaluation data found variability in how the intervention was delivered at the cluster and individual level. Total fidelity scores ranged from 55 to 98% across intervention hospitals (mean = 78%; SD = 13%). Fidelity scores were highest for use of clinical leads (mean = 98%; SD = 7%), and lowest for use of other educational materials (mean = 65%; SD = 19%) and audit and feedback (mean = 65%; SD = 20%). Clinical leads reflected positively about the interventions, with time constraints being the greatest barrier to their use.Conclusion: Our targeted, theory-informed interventions were delivered with moderate fidelity, and were well received by clinical leads. Despite clinical leads experiencing challenges of time constraints, the level of fidelity had a positive effect on successfully de-implementing non-evidence-based care in infants with bronchiolitis. These findings will inform widespread rollout of our bronchiolitis interventions, and guide future practice change in acute care settings.Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12616001567415 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite international guidelines providing evidence-based recommendations on appropriate management of infants with bronchiolitis, wide variation in practice occurs. This results in infants receiving care of no benefit, with associated cost and is potentially harmful. Theoretical frameworks are increasingly used to develop interventions, utilising behaviour change techniques specifically chosen to target factors contributing to practice variation, with de-implementation often viewed as harder than implementing. This paper describes the stepped process using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to develop targeted, theory-informed interventions which subsequently successfully improved management of infants with bronchiolitis by de-implementing ineffective therapies. Explicit description of the process and rationale used in developing de-implementation interventions is critical to dissemination of these practices into real world clinical practice.Methods: A stepped approach was used: (1) Identify evidence-based recommendations and practice variation as targets for change, (2) Identify factors influencing practice change (barriers and enablers) to be addressed, and (3) Identification and development of interventions (behaviour change techniques and methods of delivery) addressing influencing factors, considering evidence of effectiveness, feasibility, local relevance and acceptability. The mode of delivery for the intervention components was informed by evidence from implementation science systematic reviews, and setting specific feasibility and practicality.Results: Five robust evidence-based management recommendations, targeting the main variation in bronchiolitis management were identified: namely, no use of chest x-ray, salbutamol, glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and adrenaline. Interventions developed to target recommendations addressed seven TDF domains (identified following qualitative clinician interviews (n = 20)) with 23 behaviour change techniques chosen to address these domains. Final interventions included: (1) Local stakeholder meetings, (2) Identification of medical and nursing clinical leads, (3) Train-the-trainer workshop for all clinical leads, (4) Local educational materials for delivery by clinical leads, (5) Provision of tools and materials targeting influencing factors, and prompting recommended behaviours, and (6) Audit and feedback.Conclusion: A stepped approach based on theory, evidence and issues of feasibility, local relevance and acceptability, was successfully used to develop interventions to improve management of infants with bronchiolitis. The rationale and content of interventions has been explicitly described allowing others to de-implement unnecessary bronchiolitis management, thereby improving care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) released the Australian and New Zealand Guideline for Mild to Moderate Head Injuries in Children in 2021. We describe innovative and practical methods used to develop this guideline. Informed by GRADE‐ADOLOPMENT and ADAPTE frameworks, we adopted or adapted recommendations from multiple high‐quality guidelines or developed de novo recommendations. A Guideline Steering Committee and a multidisciplinary Guideline Working Group of 25 key stakeholder representatives formulated the guideline scope and developed 33 clinical questions. We identified four relevant high‐quality source guidelines; their recommendations were mapped to clinical questions. The choice of guideline recommendation, if more than one guideline addressed a question, was based on its appropriateness, currency of the literature, access to evidence, and relevance. Updated literature searches identified 440 new studies and key new evidence identified. The decision to develop adopted, adapted or de novo recommendations was based on the supporting evidence‐base and its transferability to the local setting. The guideline underwent a 12‐week consultation period. The final guideline consisted of 35 evidence‐informed and 17 consensus‐based recommendations and 19 practice points. An algorithm to inform imaging and observation decision‐making was also developed. The resulting process was an efficient and rigorous way to develop a guideline based on existing high‐quality guidelines from different settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate patient‐level factors predictive for computed tomography of the brain (CTB) use and abnormality in head injured children in Australia and New Zealand. Methods: Retrospective data from tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs including factors predictive for CTB use and abnormality. Results: Of 3072 children at 31 EDs, 212 (6.9%) had a CTB scan, of which 66 (31%) were abnormal. Increasing age, serious mechanisms of injury and decreasing Glasgow Coma Score were predictive for ordering CTB. Decreasing age was predictive for CTB abnormalities. Other factors were not. Conclusion: Patient‐level drivers of CTB use in children in Australia and New Zealand are consistent with international data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) performs multicentre research in Australia and New Zealand. Research priorities are difficult to determine, often relying on individual interests or prior work.Objective: To identify the research priorities of paediatric emergency medicine (PEM) specialists working in Australia and New Zealand.Methods: Online surveys were administered in a two-stage, modified Delphi study. Eligible participants were PEM specialists (consultants and senior advanced trainees in PEM from 14 PREDICT sites). Participants submitted up to 3 of their most important research questions (survey 1). Responses were collated and refined, then a shortlist of refined questions was returned to participants for prioritisation (survey 2). A further prioritisation exercise was carried out at a PREDICT meeting using the Hanlon Process of Prioritisation. This determined the priorities of active researchers in PEM including an emphasis on the feasibility of a research question.Results: One hundred and six of 254 (42%) eligible participants responded to survey 1 and 142/245 (58%) to survey 2. One hundred and sixty-eight (66%) took part in either or both surveys. Two hundred forty-six individual research questions were submitted in survey 1. Survey 2 established a prioritised list of 35 research questions. Priority topics from both the Delphi and Hanlon process included high flow oxygenation in intubation, fluid volume resuscitation in sepsis, imaging in cervical spine injury, intravenous therapy for asthma and vasopressor use in sepsis.Conclusion: This prioritisation process has established a list of research questions, which will inform multicentre PEM research in Australia and New Zealand. It has also emphasised the importance of the translation of new knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aetiology and clinical course of Bell's palsy may be different in paediatric and adult patients. There is no randomised placebo controlled trial (RCT) to show effectiveness of prednisolone for Bell's palsy in children. The aim of the study was to assess current practice in paediatric Bell's palsy in Australia and New Zealand Emergency Departments (ED) and determine the feasibility of conducting a multicentre RCT within the Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT).Methods: A retrospective analysis of ED medical records of children less than 18 years diagnosed with Bell's palsy between 1 January, 2012 and 31 December, 2013 was performed. Potential participants were identified from ED information systems using Bell's palsy related search terms. Repeat presentations during the same illness were excluded but relapses were not. Data on presentation, diagnosis and management were entered into an online data base (REDCap).Results: Three hundred and twenty-three presentations were included from 14 PREDICT sites. Mean age at presentation was 9.0 (SD 5.0) years with 184 (57.0%) females. Most (238, 73.7%) presented to ED within 72 h of symptoms, 168 (52.0%) had seen a doctor prior. In ED, 218 (67.5%) were treated with steroids. Prednisolone was usually prescribed for 9 days at around 1 mg/kg/day, with tapering in 35.7%.Conclusion: Treatment of Bell's palsy in children presenting to Australasian EDs is varied. Prednisolone is commonly used in Australasian EDs, despite lack of high-level paediatric evidence. The study findings confirm the feasibility of an RCT of prednisolone for Bell's palsy in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Intraosseous (IO) needle insertion is an effective method to obtain circulatory access in unwell children. Methods: We conducted a 12‐month retrospective record review of children aged less than 18 years who had a recorded IO attempt by Ambulance Victoria paramedics. Results: Sixty‐five children underwent IO attempt during pre‐hospital care, 60 had IO outcome recorded and were included. 58/60 (96.7%) children had IO successfully placed, 35 were aged <5 years. Cardiorespiratory arrest (39/58, 67.2%) and status epilepticus (11/58, 19%) were the most common indications. Conclusion: While IO placement is uncommonly performed pre‐hospital, in critical situations there is a high success rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head injury is a common reason children present to EDs. Guideline development to improve care for paediatric head injuries should target the information needs of ED clinicians and factors influencing its uptake., Methods: We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (November 2017-November 2018) with a stratified purposive sample of ED clinicians from across Australia and New Zealand. We identified clinician information needs, used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore factors influencing the use of head CT and clinical decision rules/guidelines in CT decision-making, and explored ways to improve guideline uptake. Two researchers coded the interview transcripts using thematic content analysis., Results: A total of 43 clinicians (28 doctors, 15 nurses), from 19 hospitals (5 tertiary, 8 suburban, 6 regional/rural) were interviewed. Clinicians sought guidance for scenarios including ED management of infants, children with underlying medical issues, delayed or representations and potential non-accidental injuries. Improvements to the quality and content of discharge communication and parental discussion materials were suggested. Known risks of radiation from head CTs has led to a culture of observation over use of CT in Australasia (TDF domain: beliefs about consequences). Formal and informal policies have resulted in senior clinicians making most head CT decisions in children (TDF domain: behavioural regulation). Senior clinicians consider their gestalt to be more accurate and outperform existing guidance (TDF domain: beliefs about capabilities), although they perceive guidelines as useful for training and supporting junior staff. Summaries, flow charts, publication in ED-specific journals and scripted training materials were suggestions to improve uptake., Conclusion: Information needs of ED clinicians, factors influencing use of head CT in children with head injuries and the role of guidelines were identified. These findings informed the scope and implementation strategies for an Australasian guideline for mild-to-moderate head injuries in children., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objective: Children frequently present with head injuries to acute care settings. Although international paediatric clinical practice guidelines for head injuries exist, they do not address all considerations related to triage, imaging, observation versus admission, transfer, discharge and follow-up of mild to moderate head injuries relevant to the Australian and New Zealand context. The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) set out to develop an evidence-based, locally applicable, practical clinical guideline for the care of children with mild to moderate head injuries presenting to acute care settings., Methods: A multidisciplinary Guideline Working Group (GWG) developed 33 questions in three key areas - triage, imaging and discharge of children with mild to moderate head injuries presenting to acute care settings. We identified existing high-quality guidelines and from these guidelines recommendations were mapped to clinical questions. Updated literature searches were undertaken, and key new evidence identified. Recommendations were created through either adoption, adaptation or development of de novo recommendations. The guideline was revised after a period of public consultation., Results: The GWG developed 71 recommendations (evidence-informed = 35, consensus-based = 17, practice points = 19), relevant to the Australian and New Zealand setting. The guideline is presented as three documents: (i) a detailed Full Guideline summarising the evidence underlying each recommendation; (ii) a Guideline Summary; and (iii) a clinical Algorithm: Imaging and Observation Decision-making for Children with Head Injuries., Conclusions: The PREDICT Australian and New Zealand Guideline for Mild to Moderate Head Injuries in Children provides high-level evidence and practical guidance for front line clinicians., (© 2021 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.)

Background: The Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative (PREDICT) performs multicentre research in Australia and New Zealand. Research priorities are difficult to determine, often relying on individual interests or prior work., Objective: To identify the research priorities of paediatric emergency medicine (PEM) specialists working in Australia and New Zealand., Methods: Online surveys were administered in a two-stage, modified Delphi study. Eligible participants were PEM specialists (consultants and senior advanced trainees in PEM from 14 PREDICT sites). Participants submitted up to 3 of their most important research questions (survey 1). Responses were collated and refined, then a shortlist of refined questions was returned to participants for prioritisation (survey 2). A further prioritisation exercise was carried out at a PREDICT meeting using the Hanlon Process of Prioritisation. This determined the priorities of active researchers in PEM including an emphasis on the feasibility of a research question., Results: One hundred and six of 254 (42%) eligible participants responded to survey 1 and 142/245 (58%) to survey 2. One hundred and sixty-eight (66%) took part in either or both surveys. Two hundred forty-six individual research questions were submitted in survey 1. Survey 2 established a prioritised list of 35 research questions. Priority topics from both the Delphi and Hanlon process included high flow oxygenation in intubation, fluid volume resuscitation in sepsis, imaging in cervical spine injury, intravenous therapy for asthma and vasopressor use in sepsis., Conclusion: This prioritisation process has established a list of research questions, which will inform multicentre PEM research in Australia and New Zealand. It has also emphasised the importance of the translation of new knowledge., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)