Informing the Alfred Registry for Emergency Care Project: An analysis of presenting complaint documentation in an emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of an ED presenting complaint (PC) tool that categorised all ED PCs into 10 categories. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1445 consecutive patient encounters was conducted. The primary outcome was the frequency of use of the 10 PC categories. RESULTS: Of the 1203 patient encounters meeting inclusion criteria, the PC tool was completed by clinicians in 574 (47.7%). When completed, the tool's 10 options were selected for most presentations (72.3%). CONCLUSION: The PC tool captured the majority of presenting complaints in 10 categories. External validation is recommended.

The impact of an educational video about the role of an emergency nurse, viewed by emergency nurses' support systems, on emergency nurses' wellbeing.

BACKGROUND: High stress daily events contribute to burnout in emergency nurses. Strong and informed support systems are essential in ensuring emergency nurses are actively dealing with their workplace-generated stress, through informal social support. METHODS: A pre and post intervention design over a 6-month period in a single ED. A video was created by emergency nurses to orientate their support system to their role and work environment. Its impact on nurse well-being was assessed. RESULTS: More than half of the participants considered their spouse/partner to be their main support system (n = 52, 58%). The majority of participants found their support system: (i) had a greater understanding of their everyday work (n = 79, 88%), (ii) were more engaged when talking about work (n = 72, 80%), (iii) asked more questions about work (n = 63, 70%), and (iv) reported they had an improved ability to debrief with their support system (n = 67, 74%). The median total World Health Organization wellbeing score improved by two points (7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Emergency nurses' support systems had a greater understanding of the emergency nurse's role and work environment following exposure to the video. This in turn improved the emergency nurses' ability to debrief at home, experience of support, and ultimately their wellbeing.

Ecstasy and related drug consumption and the effect on emergency department resource use.

BACKGROUND: Ecstasy and other recreational related drug use and substance related presentations to the emergency department (ED) are increasing. The aim of this study was to identify, quantify, and describe the ED resources used to care for patients diagnosed with ecstasy and related drug (ERD) use. METHOD: A retrospective case study design. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients (89%) needed one to one (n=25) and/or one to two nursing care (n=83). Security presence was required for 37 patients (37%) and the Emergency Psychiatric Service team reviewed 29 patients (29%). Most patients (n=80, 80%) received an Emergency Short Stay Unit admission, but continued to receive care in the ED, and were not transferred to the short stay unit (n=74, 92.5%). Most patients (n=86, 86%) were discharged home, after 5hr 49mins (median) in ED. CONCLUSION: Extensive human resources were required to care for patients diagnosed with ERD use. Nursing staffing levels required to care for this patient cohort during times of peak presentations should be reviewed. It is important the government acknowledges the National Emergency Access Target is not suitable for all presenting patients. A dedicated model of care is recommended to support care requirements and reduce pressure on busy EDs.