Effects of emergency doctor’s hospitalization authority from internal medicine and utilizing emergency ward on length of stay in emergency department

Objective@#The emergency department (ED) length of stay (LOS) is related to ED overcrowding and emergency practice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of enabling an ED doctor to have the authority to make hospitalization decisions and utilization of the emergency ward on ED LOS. @*Methods@#This retrospective observational study included patients who were admitted through a local emergency medical center. We compared the ED LOS between the periods' March to July 2018 and March to July 2019. In the latter period, ED doctors were authorized to take decisions on patient hospitalizations from the internal medicine department, and the emergency ward was operated under these new conditions. @*Results@#A total of 6,291 patients were included in the study, with 2,934 in 2018 and 3,357 in 2019. In the comparison of ED LOS for internal medicine inpatients by year, there was a significant reduction in the total ED LOS (1,129.0 [491.0-1,618.0] minutes vs. 539.0 [344.0-1,016.25] minutes, P<0.001), LOS before the admission decision (345.0 [198.0-634.0] minutes vs. 280.0 [176.0-442.3] minutes, P<0.001), and LOS after the admission decision (415.0 [147.0-1,089.0] minutes vs. 179.5 [80.0-422.0] minutes, P<0.001). In a subgroup analysis of internal medicine inpatients in 2019, the admission sheets of an ED doctor showed a significant decrease in LOS before the admission decision (268.0 [170.5-424.5] minutes vs. 404.0 [252.0-570.5] minutes, P<0.001). Also, the utilization of the emergency ward showed a significant decrease in LOS after the admission decision (147.0 [75.0-283.0] minutes vs. 187.0 [81.0-460.0] minutes, P<0.001). @*Conclusion@#The delegation of hospitalization decisions to the ED doctor and the subsequent utilization of the emergency ward shorten the ED LOS of internal medicine inpatients.

Public awareness and willingness to use automated external defibrillators in a metropolitan city

Objective@#Early defibrillation is crucial for the survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This study aimed to examine the trends and associated factors regarding public awareness and willingness to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through citywide surveys. @*Methods@#Three-round surveys were conducted in February 2012 (n=1,000), December 2016 (n=1,141), and December 2018 (n=1,001) among citizens in Daegu, South Korea, who were aged ≥19 years. The subjects were selected through a three-stage quota sampling. Awareness and willingness to use an AED were assessed in the three groups. The primary outcome was willingness to use AEDs. @*Results@#Of 3,142 respondents, 3,069 were eligible for analysis. The proportion of respondents who knew how to use AEDs increased from 4.7% in 2012 to 20.8% in 2018. Of the respondents in 2012, 2016, and 2018, 39.7%, 50.0%, and 43.2%, respectively, were willing to use an AED. Factors associated with willingness to use AEDs were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.75), cardiopulmonary resuscitation training experience in the previous 2 years (AOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.43–2.28), recognition of the Good Samaritan law (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.86), and awareness of how to use an AED (AOR, 4.40; 95% CI, 3.26–5.93). @*Conclusion@#To increase willingness to use AEDs, education in AED use and the Good Samaritan law, along with re-education to maintain knowledge of AED use, should be considered.

Public awareness and willingness to use automated external defibrillators in a metropolitan city

Objective@#Early defibrillation is crucial for the survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This study aimed to examine the trends and associated factors regarding public awareness and willingness to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through citywide surveys. @*Methods@#Three-round surveys were conducted in February 2012 (n=1,000), December 2016 (n=1,141), and December 2018 (n=1,001) among citizens in Daegu, South Korea, who were aged ≥19 years. The subjects were selected through a three-stage quota sampling. Awareness and willingness to use an AED were assessed in the three groups. The primary outcome was willingness to use AEDs. @*Results@#Of 3,142 respondents, 3,069 were eligible for analysis. The proportion of respondents who knew how to use AEDs increased from 4.7% in 2012 to 20.8% in 2018. Of the respondents in 2012, 2016, and 2018, 39.7%, 50.0%, and 43.2%, respectively, were willing to use an AED. Factors associated with willingness to use AEDs were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.75), cardiopulmonary resuscitation training experience in the previous 2 years (AOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.43–2.28), recognition of the Good Samaritan law (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13–1.86), and awareness of how to use an AED (AOR, 4.40; 95% CI, 3.26–5.93). @*Conclusion@#To increase willingness to use AEDs, education in AED use and the Good Samaritan law, along with re-education to maintain knowledge of AED use, should be considered.

Relationships between Symptom of Restless Legs Syndrome, Depression, Somatic Symptom and Activities of Daily Living among the Elderly / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between the symptom of restless legs syndrome (RLS), somatic symptom, depression, and activities of daily living (ADL) among the elderly.@*METHODS@#A descriptive approach was taken in this study. Data were collected from May 23 to July 5, 2019 and 140 elderly people replied to the questionnaire. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and χ² test.@*RESULTS@#48.6% of the respondents had RLS symptom and the severity of RLS symptom was 9.57±11.55. RLS symptom had a positive correlation with depression (r=.538, p<.001), with somatic symptom (r=.528, p<.001), with ADL (r=.308, p<.001), and with IADL (r=.360, p<.001). Depression had the most significant correlation with RLS symptoms. There were significant differences in depression, somatization, ADL, and IADL according to the RLS severity.@*CONCLUSION@#The results of this study showed that many elders experienced mild to severe RLS symptom. Also, the elderly with RLS symptom had more severe depression, somatic symptom, ADL, and IADL than those without RLS symptom in this study. Depression, somatic symptom, and ADL could be deteriorated if the RLS symptom is not diagnosed early.

Relationship of Restless Legs Syndrome Symptom, Sleep Disturbance and Depression in Middle-aged Women / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), sleep disturbance and depression among middle-aged women. METHODS: The study took a descriptive approach. A self-reported questionnaire was provided to women aged between 45 and 65 living in community area. The data were analyzed via SPSS program (version 25). RESULTS: 47.8% of the respondents showed moderate to severe RLS symptoms and the severity of RLS symptoms was 10.72. Depression score was 13.12 and sleep disturbance score was 4.97. There was a significant correlation between RLS symptoms and sleep disturbance (r=.423, p < .001), and RLS symptoms had a positive impact on sleep disturbance. There was also a significant correlation between RLS symptoms and depression (r=.494, p < .001) and RLS symptoms also had a positive impact on depression. CONCLUSION: Women with RLS symptoms had more severe sleep disturbance, depression and vasomotor syndrome than those without RLS symptoms. If RLS symptoms among middle-aged women is simply diagnosed as a menopausal symptom, this misdiagnosis can lead to sleep disorder and depression. Therefore, further empirical researches should be done to estimate the prevalence of RLS symptoms and to launch a program to detect RLS at the early stage.

The Level of Performance, Frequency and Educational Needs of Nursing Activities in Long-term Care Hospital / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to explore the level of core nursing activities performed by long-term care hospital nurses and to investigate the frequency and educational needs of major nursing activities. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. The subjects were 155 nurses working at seven long-term care hospitals in Korea. Data were collected in 2018 from September 15 to October 16 using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program. RESULTS: The mean age of nurses was 45.19±10.99 years and the mean career of long-term care hospital was 49.84±40.52 months. Monitoring activity was shown as the highest score in the performance level and frequency, whereas infection control received the highest score in educational needs. A scatter plot revealed that physical examination, respiratory care, wound care, communication and education showed overall high scores in the performance level, frequency, and educational needs. Emergency care and infection control were the activities that were performed less frequently but had high performance level and educational needs. CONCLUSION: It is important to establish rules for requisite and delegable activities considering the performance level and frequency of nursing activities in long-term care hospitals in order to improve the quality of patient care.

Does the placement of automated external defibrillators affect first responders' willingness to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation in high-rise residential buildings?

OBJECTIVE: The increasing number of people living in high-rise apartments may result in a delayed response from emergency medical technicians called out for an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, making the role of apartment managers as the first responders extremely important. This study investigated whether automated external defibrillator (AED) placement influences the willingness of apartment managers to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an AED. METHODS: A cross-sectional target population-based survey was conducted in Daegu, July 2016. Questionnaires were sent to apartment managers working in apartments with more than 500 households. The general characteristics of the respondents, status of CPR education, and knowledge about and willingness to perform CPR and use an AED were investigated. RESULTS: Of the 1,445 respondents, 758 (52.5%) worked in apartments with AEDs, of which 77.8% and 70.8% were willing to perform CPR and use an AED, respectively, compared with 68.1% and 60.0% of respondents who worked in apartments without AEDs. After adjusting for potential confounders, AED placement was associated with the willingness to perform CPR (odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–1.71) and use an AED (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.10–1.75). Prior CPR training and accurate knowledge of CPR skills were also associated with the willingness to perform CPR and use an AED. CONCLUSION: Placing AEDs in high-rise apartment buildings and providing refresher CPR education for maintaining CPR skills will be necessary to support apartment managers in their role as first responders.

Relevance of emergency level assessment by the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale for adult patients in a local emergency medical center

OBJECTIVE: The Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS), which was implemented in 2016, needs to be assessed for its validity and reliability. Here we evaluate the relevance of emergency level assessment by analyzing the validity of KTAS as a Korean standardized triage system. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of adults who presented to a local emergency room (ER) during an 18-month period. We compared medical resources used, life-saving interventions performed, length of stay (LOS) in ER, admission rate, and mortality at each KTAS level. RESULTS: Among a total of 40,339 patients, most patients were at KTAS 4 (n=19,532, 48.4%) and the longest median LOS in ER was 450 minutes at KTAS 2. As the KTAS level increased, the percentage of medical resources used and life-saving interventions performed increased significantly. The odds of total admission and intensive care unit admission were significantly higher at KTAS 1 through 4 compared to those at KTAS 5. The odds related to admission and mortality were also significantly higher at KTAS 3 than at KTAS 4. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the KTAS, as a Korean standardized triage system of emergency level assessment, is relevant. Further, KTAS 1-3 and KTAS 4-5 are appropriate criteria to distinguish emergency and non-emergency patients.

Utility of reverse shock index as a trauma triage tool among adult patients: concurrent use of Korean Triage and Acuity Scale

OBJECTIVE: The shock index (SI), as a trauma triage tool, is a capable clinical indicator of hemodynamic instability and hypovolemic shock, but the conception of SI is contradictory to shock. The reverse shock index (RSI) was introduced recently, but its utility has not been sufficiently proven. METHODS: This study examined the RSI utility by evaluating the procedures performed at an emergency department (ED) and the associated outcomes when the RSI is used alone or in combination with the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS). This was a retrospective study conducted by including data of 4,789 adult trauma patients for a year. The clinical variables, procedures performed on patients, and outcomes were investigated. The median RSI was 0.9 in the RSI < 1 group. RESULTS: Patients in the RSI < 1 group had a higher odds of requiring procedures at the ED and for experiencing worse outcomes: intubation (odds ratio [OR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–13.1; P < 0.001), chest tube insertion (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 0.4–111.84; P < 0.001), use of emergency drugs (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.5–8.5; P < 0.001), circulatory support (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.3–12.9; P < 0.001), intensive care unit admission (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.8–6.8; P < 0.001), and mortality during the ED stay (OR, 20.4; 95% CI, 5.5–75.7; P < 0.001). In the group with KTAS 1–3, trends similar to those in the RSI < 1 group were observed. Patients with RSI < 1 had more severe injuries and poorer outcomes than those with RSI≥1, regardless of whether the RSI was used alone or in combination with KTAS. CONCLUSION: RSI can provide an appropriate triage with concurrent KTAS use.

Therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid on dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia in rats

OBJECTIVE: Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone, DDS) is currently used to treat leprosy, malaria, dermatitis herpetiformis, and other diseases. It is also used to treat pneumocystis pneumonia and Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV-positive patients. The most common adverse effect of DDS is methemoglobinemia from oxidative stress. Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant and reducing agent that scavenges the free radicals produced by oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid in the treatment of DDS induced methemoglobinemia. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: an ascorbic acid group, a methylene blue (MB) group, and a control group. After DDS (40 mg/kg) treatment via oral gavage, ascorbic acid (15 mg/kg), MB (1 mg/kg), or normal saline were administered via tail vein injection. Depending on the duration of the DDS treatment, blood methemoglobin levels, as well as the nitric oxide levels and catalase activity, were measured at 60, 120, or 180 minutes after DDS administration. RESULTS: Methemoglobin concentrations in the ascorbic acid and MB groups were significantly lower compared to those in the control group across multiple time points. The plasma nitric oxide levels and catalase activity were not different among the groups or time points. CONCLUSION: Intravenous ascorbic acid administration is effective in treating DDS-induced methemoglobinemia in a murine model.

Effects of Paraquat Ban on Herbicide Poisoning-Related Mortality

PURPOSE: In Korea, registration of paraquat-containing herbicides was canceled in November 2011, and sales thereof were completely banned in November 2012. We evaluated the effect of the paraquat ban on the epidemiology and mortality of herbicide-induced poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients treated for herbicide poisoning at 17 emergency departments in South Korea between January 2010 and December 2014. The overall and paraquat mortality rates were compared pre- and post-ban. Factors associated with herbicide mortality were evaluated using logistic analysis. To determine if there were any changes in the mortality rates before and after the paraquat sales ban and the time point of any such significant changes in mortality, R software, version 3.0.3 (package, bcp) was used to perform a Bayesian change point analysis. RESULTS: We enrolled 2257 patients treated for herbicide poisoning (paraquat=46.8%). The overall and paraquat poisoning mortality rates were 40.6% and 73.0%, respectively. The decreased paraquat poisoning mortality rate (before, 75% vs. after, 67%, p=0.014) might be associated with increased intentionality. The multivariable logistic analysis revealed the paraquat ban as an independent predictor that decreased herbicide poisoning mortality (p=0.035). There were two major change points in herbicide mortality rates, approximately 3 months after the initial paraquat ban and 1 year after complete sales ban. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the paraquat ban decreased intentional herbicide ingestion and contributed to lowering herbicide poisoning-associated mortality. The change point analysis suggests a certain timeframe was required for the manifestation of regulatory measures outcomes.

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinales and Portomesenteric Venous Gas following Anticholinesterase Pesticide Poisoning

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas are uncommon radiological findings, but are found commonly in cases of bowel ischemia, or as a result of various non-ischemic conditions. A 72-year-old man visited an emergency center with altered mental status 2 hours after ingestion of an unknown pesticide. On physical examination, he showed the characteristic hydrocarbon or garlic-like odor, miotic pupils with no response to light, rhinorrhea, shallow respiration, bronchorrhea, and sweating over his face, chest and abdomen. Laboratory results revealed decreased serum cholinesterase, as well as elevated amylase and lipase level. We made the clinical diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning in this patient based on the clinical features, duration of symptoms and signs, and level of serum cholinesterase. Activated charcoal, fluid, and antidotes were administered after gastric lavage. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast showed acute pancreatitis, poor enhancement of the small bowel, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, portomesenteric venous gas and ascites. Emergent laparotomy could not be performed because of his poor physical condition and refusal of treatment by his family. The possible mechanisms were believed to be direct intestinal mucosal damage by pancreatic enzymes and secondary mucosal disruption due to bowel ischemia caused by shock and the use of inotropics. Physicians should be warned about the possibility of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas as a complication of pancreatitis following anticholinesterase poisoning.

A Successful Management after Cement Ingestion: A Case Report

Cases of the cement ingestion are rare. This paper reports the successful management of cement ingestion with gastric lavage and endoscopic washing. A 69-year-old man who had a stuporous mentality and seizures visited the local emergency room. He was found in his room with cement powder and several liquor bottles. He underwent a gastric lavage in the prior emergency room, which showed evidence of cement ingestion. He was transferred to the emergency center after primary care. Cement mixed with water is a strong alkali and acts as a caustic agent in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, it can become hard in a few hours and sometimes produce gastric bezoars. Generally, gastric lavage is not recommended for caustic agents. On the other hand, gastric lavage and endoscopic washing was performed repeatedly for successful removal despite the physical and chemical characteristics of cement. Therefore, the active removal of ingested cement by both gastric lavage and endoscopic washing is recommended.

Preventable Trauma Death Rate in Daegu, South Korea

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the preventable death rate (PDR) in Daegu, South Korea, and to assess both its affecting- and preventable-factors to improve the treatment of regional trauma patients. METHODS: All cases of traumatic death that occurred between January 2012 and December 2012 in five hospitals in Daegu were analyzed retrospectively by a panel review. Cases were classified into preventable (P) and non-preventable deaths (NP). We determined the affecting factors of trauma deaths and preventable factors during trauma care. RESULTS: The PDR was 25.2%. Significant differences by mode of arrival, day of injury, cause of death, and time of emergency department (ED) arrival were observed between P and NP groups. According to the logistic regression analysis, preventability was associated with patients transferred from other hospitals, ED arrival at night and dawn, and non-head injuries. A total of 145 preventable factors were discovered in 59 preventable trauma deaths. When we categorized by location, the ED was the most common, with 71 cases, followed by 57 prehospital preventable factors. When we classified the preventable factors by process, 76.8% were process-related and 23.4% were structure-related. CONCLUSION: Our study is valuable to build an adequate trauma system in Daegu as it provides the baseline quality control data. Efforts to mediate the preventable factors were revealed in this study, and continuous reviews to calculate and track the PDR are needed to evaluate the local trauma system and establish a system specific to Daegu.

The Poisoning Information Database Covers a Large Proportion of Real Poisoning Cases in Korea

The poisoning information database (PIDB) provides clinical toxicological information on commonly encountered toxic substances in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the coverage rate of the PIDB by comparing the database with the distribution of toxic substances that real poisoning patients presented to 20 emergency departments. Development of the PIDB started in 2007, and the number of toxic substances increased annually from 50 to 470 substances in 2014. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with toxic exposure who visited 20 emergency departments in Korea from January to December 2013. Identified toxic substances were classified as prescription drug, agricultural chemical, household product, animal or plant, herbal drug, or other. We calculated the coverage rate of the PIDB for both the number of poisoning cases and the kinds of toxic substances. A total of 10,887 cases of intoxication among 8,145 patients was collected. The 470 substances registered in the PIDB covered 89.3% of 8,891 identified cases related to poisoning, while the same substances only covered 45.3% of the 671 kinds of identified toxic substances. According to category, 211 prescription drugs, 58 agricultural chemicals, 28 household products, and 32 animals or plants were not covered by the PIDB. This study suggested that the PIDB covered a large proportion of real poisoning cases in Korea. However, the database should be continuously extended to provide information for even rare toxic substances.

Factors Associated with Skeletal Chest Injuries Secondary to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients

PURPOSE: Rib and sternal fractures are common complications of chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The aim of this study is to investigate skeletal chest injuries following chest compressions and factors associated with skeletal chest injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted for 10 years from January 2005 to February 2015. Skeletal chest injuries in patients who underwent computerized tomography (CT) after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were analyzed. The exclusion criteria were patients with insufficient medical records, under 18 years old, traumatic cardiac arrest, and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. RESULTS: During the period 106 patients were included. The CT scan after ROSC showed that 47 patients (44.3%) had rib fractures, and 20 patients (18.9%) had sternal fractures. The rib fracture group showed higher age (73 vs 61, p<0.001), longer CPR time (10 vs 6 min, p<0.001), and higher incidence of sternal fracture (34% vs 6.8%, p<0.001). The sternal fracture group showed longer CPR time (10 vs 7, p<0.05) and higher incidence of rib fractures (80% vs 4.7%, p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (OR 1.087; 95% CI 1.041 to 1.134, p<0.001), CPR time (OR 1.200; 95% CI 1.087 to 1.323, p<0.001), and sternal fracture (OR 4.524; 95% CI 1.259 to 16.697, p=0.021) showed significant association with rib fracture. CONCLUSION: Rib and sternal fractures are frequent complications in patients who underwent CPR. In hospital cardiac arrest patients with older age, longer CPR time, and sternal fracture needed more precaution for rib fractures and other complications.

Relationship between Re-visits and Complaints' Characters of Out Patient Department and Emergency Department in One Tertiary Hospital

PURPOSE: Emergency department (ED) and Outpatient department (OPD) are similar to some extent, but there are differences. The difference is complaints that can be encountered during practice. The aim of this study was to investigate complaints of OPD and ED and factors associated with Re-visits. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 431 official complaints of visitors and 426 re-visitors in one tertiary university hospital OPD and ED between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014. RESULTS: ED complaints were 18 times more common than OPD. The two groups differed in chronic disease, follow up duration and frequency, transportation, visiting day of the week, visiting time, relation between patient and claimant, claimant age, related department, medical department, method of expression, major reason for complaints, treatment result, and re-visit. The factors associated with ED re-visits were chronic disease, follow up duration and frequency, treatment result, and expression method. CONCLUSION: Doctors, particularly emergency physicians in the ED, were the subject of the most common complaints. Patients had more complaints about the subjective time delay than the ED retention time. Emergency physicians should be more alert for first visit patients.

High-dose Vitamin C therapy in Methemoglobinemia

Methylene blue is the first choice antidote for management of methemoglobinemia, however, some patients are refractory to methylene blue and in most cases, methylene blue cannot be available instantly in Korean emergency departments because of import suspension. A 69-year-old woman visited our emergency department for tachypnea and cyanosis after ingesting 30 tablets of dapsone. Because methylene blue was not available, we intravenously administrated 10 g of vitamin C for symptomatic methemoglobinemia. Repeated i.v. administrations of 10 g of vitamin C in patient without preexisting renal insufficiency successfully treated dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia without causing renal complications. Thus, we recommend that if methylene blue is unavailable or methemoglobinemia is refractory to methylene blue, repeated administrations of 10 g of vitamin C may be considered for the treatment of methemoglobinemia in patients without renal insufficiency.

Task and Time Analysis of Intern Physicians in the Emergency Department: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

PURPOSE: This study was conducted in order to describe how intern physicians in the emergency department (ED) spent their time, and the frequency of tasks performed by them. METHODS: This was an observational, time-motion study for 15 intern physicians in 15 emergency centers. Observers in each hospital shadowed interns for a 60-minute period, two times, both day and night shift. They recorded time spent on various activities, type and number of activities. The proportion of activity that can be replaced by other staff members was calculated. RESULTS: Average number of duty hours of interns was 80.9 hours (63~87.8) per week. A total of 662 activities were observed during 30 hours. Interns' activities were classified as direct patient care 28.2%, personal time 24.2%, documentation 17.0%, procedures 16.7%, communication 8.1%, transportation 2.6%, indirect patient care 2.0%, learning activity 0.8%, and administrative work 0.4%. The proportion of procedural task showed negative correlation with the number of emergency medical technicians (r=-0.710, p=0.003). The proportion of activity that can be replaced by staff members other than doctors was 24.3% (0~47%) of time, except personal or learning activity. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that only 24.3% of interns' activity in the emergency department could be replaced by staff members other than doctors. Because the proportion of activities that could be replaced was variable among hospitals, each hospital should perform task analysis of interns' activity in order to forecast alternative manpower.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Indoxacarb Insecticide Poisoning

PURPOSE: Indoxacarb insecticide poisoning causes methemoglobinemia, which is occasionally life-threatening. However, there is limited data on indoxacarb effects after human ingestion. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinical features, complications, management, and medical outcome of patients with indoxacarb insecticide poisoning. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 10 patients with indoxacarb insecticide poisoning who had visited our emergency centers from January 2008 to December 2011. We collected data on the general characteristics of the patients, their clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory data, management of their condition, and clinical results. RESULTS: Among the 10 patients, 8 were diagnosed with methemoglobinemia. The clinical manifestations of indoxacarb insecticide poisoning were hypotension (3 patients), altered mentality (5 patients), cyanosis (5 patients), dyspnea (2 patients), seizure (3 patients), and cardiac arrest (2 patients). Four patients had a poisoning severity score of 3 and 2 patients had a poisoning severity score of 2. Four patients were treated with methylene blue for methemoglobinemia and one patient was treated with a high dose (150 mg/kg) of ascorbic acid. The serum methemoglobin saturation of five patients who were treated with methylene blue or a high dose of ascorbic acid was nearly normalized. Four patients experienced rhabdomyolysis, pneumonia, hemolytic anemia, acute pancreatitis, and heart failure as a complication of indoxacarb insecticide poisoning. CONCLUSION: We observed a variety of clinical features, complications, management, medical outcome, and clinical course of patients with indoxacarb insecticide poisoning. We could also ascertain the efficacy of methylene blue and high dose ascorbic acid for indoxacarb-induced metheglobinemia.