Applying Topical Anesthetic on Pediatric Lacerations in the Emergency Department: A Quality Improvement Project.

OBJECTIVES: Caring for pediatric lacerations in the emergency department (ED) is typically painful because of irrigation and suturing. To improve this painful experience, we aimed to increase the use of a topical anesthetic, Eutectic Mixture of Local Anesthetics (EMLA) on eligible pediatric lacerations with an attainable, sustainable, and measurable goal of 60%. The baseline rate of applying topical anesthetic to eligible lacerations was 23% in our ED. We aimed to increase the use of topical anesthetics on eligible pediatric lacerations to a measurable goal of 60% within 3 months of implementing our intervention. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, single-center, interrupted time series, ED quality improvement project from November 2019 to July 2020. A multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses performed a cause-and-effect analysis identifying 2 key drivers: early placement of EMLA and physician buy-in on which we built our Plan, Do, Study, and Act (PDSA) cycles. We collected data on number of eligible patients receiving EMLA, as well as patient and physician feedback via phone calls within 2 days after encounter. Balancing measures included ED length of stay (LOS), patient and physician satisfaction with EMLA, and adverse effects of EMLA. RESULTS: We needed 3 PDSA cycles to reach our goal of 60% in 3 months, which was also maintained for 5 months. The PDSA cycles used educational interventions, direct provider feedback about noncompliance, and patient satisfaction results obtained via phone calls. Balancing measures were minimally impacted: 75% good patient satisfaction, no adverse events but an increase in LOS of patients who received EMLA compared with those who did not (1.79 ± 0.66 vs 1.41 ± 0.83 hours, P < 0.001). The main reasons for dissatisfaction for physicians were the increased LOS and the preference for procedural sedation or intranasal medications. CONCLUSIONS: With a few simple interventions, our aim of applying EMLA to 60% of eligible pediatric lacerations was attained and maintained.

Which Trauma Severity Scores Are Useful in Predicting Pediatric Mortality?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Trauma is the leading cause of death in children. Several trauma severity scores exist: the shock index (SI), age-adjusted SI (SIPA), reverse SI (rSI), and rSI multiplied by Glasgow Coma Score (rSIG). However, it is unknown which is the best predictor of clinical outcomes in children. Our goal was to determine the association between trauma severity scores and mortality in pediatric trauma. DESIGN AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was performed using the 2015 US National Trauma Data Bank, including patients 1 to 18 years old and excluding patients with unknown emergency department dispositions. The scores were calculated using initial emergency department parameters. Descriptive analysis was carried out. Variables were stratified by outcome (hospital mortality). Then, for each trauma score, a multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine its association with mortality. RESULTS: A total of 67,098 patients with a mean age of 11 ±5 years were included. Majority of the patients were male (66%) and had an injury severity score <15 (87%). Eighty-four percent of patients were admitted: 15% to the intensive care unit and 17% directly to the operating room. The mortality at hospital discharge was 3%.There was a statistically significant association between SI, rSI, rSIG, and mortality ( P < 0.05). The highest adjusted odds ratio for mortality corresponded to rSIG, followed by rSI then SI (8.51, 1.9, and 1.3, respectively). CONCLUSION: Several trauma scores may help predict mortality in children with trauma, the best being rSIG. Introduction of these scores in algorithms for pediatric trauma evaluations can impact clinical decision-making.

The Emergency Medicine Education and Research by Global Experts (EMERGE) Network: Challenges and Lessons Learned.

INTRODUCTION: The Emergency Medicine Education and Research by Global Experts (EMERGE) network was formed to generate and translate evidence to improve global emergency care. We share the challenges faced and lessons learned in establishing a global research network. METHODS: We describe the challenges encountered when EMERGE proposed the development of a global emergency department (ED) visit registry. The proposed registry was to be a six-month, retrospective, deidentified, minimal dataset of routinely collected variables, such as patient demographics, diagnosis, and disposition. RESULTS: Obtaining reliable, accurate, and pertinent data from participating EDs is challenging in a global context. Barriers experienced ranged from variable taxonomies, need for language translation, varying site processes for curation and transfer of deidentified data, navigating institution- and country-specific data protection regulations, and substantial variation in each participating institution's research infrastructure including training in research-related activities. We have overcome many of these challenges by creating detailed data-sharing agreements with bilateral regulatory oversight agreements between EMERGE and participating EDs, developing relationships with and training health informaticians at each site to ensure secure transfer of deidentified data, and formalizing an electronic transfer process ensuring data privacy. CONCLUSION: We believe that networks like EMERGE are integral to providing the necessary platforms for education, training, and research collaborations for emergency care. We identified substantial challenges in data sharing and variation in local sites' research infrastructure and propose potential approaches to address these challenges.

Misdiagnosis of Pediatric Concussions in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the rate and predictors of correctly diagnosed concussions in the pediatric emergency department and to describe the characteristics, presentation, and management of concussions in children presenting for minor head injury. METHODS: We included 186 patients aged 5 to 18 years presenting within 24 hours of minor head injuries and met our diagnostic criteria for concussion. We compared patients correctly diagnosed with a concussion with those who were not. Our main outcome was the rate and predictors of misdiagnoses. RESULTS: Of the patients, 5.4% were correctly diagnosed. Amnesia was the only variable associated with correct diagnoses (40.0% vs 10.2%, P = 0.02). The most common mechanism of injury was fall (8.4%); the most frequent symptoms were nausea/vomiting (42.5%), and 48.4% had a brain computed tomography scan done. CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of concussion misdiagnosis puts into question the usability of current concussion guidelines, their accuracy, and barriers to translation into clinical practice.

Lead screening in children presenting to three hospitals in Lebanon.

BACKGROUND: Lead damages most body organs and its effects are most profound in children. In a study in Beirut in 2003, before banning the leaded gasoline, 79% of the participants showed blood lead levels (BLLs) higher than 5 µg/dL. The prevalence of lead exposure in Lebanon after the ban on leaded gasoline has not been studied. This study assessed the BLL in Lebanese children aged 1-6 years. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three hospitals in Beirut. The children's BLLs were tested, and their caregiver completed a questionnaire to identify subgroups at risk of exposure. Participants were provided with a WHO brochure highlighting the risks of lead. RESULTS: Ninety children with a mean age of 3.5±1.5 years were enrolled in the study and had a mean BLL of 1.1±0.7 µg/dL, with all values being below 5.0 µg/dL, showing a marked decrease in BLL compared with the mean BLL before the ban on leaded gasoline in 2002. Having a father or a mother with a college degree (p=0.01 and p=0.035, respectively) and having a monthly household income greater than $1000 (p=0.021) were associated with significantly lower BLL. Having more rooms at home and residing close to construction sites were associated with a significantly lower BLL (p=0.001 and p=0.026, respectively). Residing in a house aged >40 years and receiving traditional remedies were associated with a significantly higher BLL (p=0.009 and p<0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: BLLs have declined among Lebanese children and this could be attributed to multiple factors including the ban of leaded gasoline. It would be beneficial to conduct a larger study with a nationally representative sample to better characterise the BLL.

The Association Between Initial Serum Bicarbonate Levels and the Management of Dehydrated Children in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus in the current literature on the relevance of serum bicarbonate levels, cutoff benchmarks and the management of dehydration; therefore, this study aims to explore whether an association can be established between initial serum bicarbonate levels and the subsequent management of children between the ages of 0 to 36 months presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dehydration. METHODS: The study is a single center, retrospective review of 335 charts of children between 0 and 36 months of age presenting to the ED of an urban academic tertiary hospital between June 2014 and June 2016 with a medical history suggestive of dehydration and documented serum bicarbonate levels during their visits. RESULTS: A total of 310 charts were analyzed. No significant difference was found between mean serum bicarbonate levels of admitted and discharged patients (18.82 mmol/L vs 18.75 mmol/L; P = 0.89). Children with serum bicarbonate levels below 15 mmol/L were significantly more likely to receive a fluid bolus ( P = 0.00) in the ED but neither the length of stay in the ED ( P = 0.07) nor in the hospital ( P = 0.41) was affected. Bounce backs within 7 days of discharge were not associated with serum bicarbonate levels at first presentation, but rather with a shorter duration of diarrhea ( P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Initial serum bicarbonate level of dehydrated children does not appear to be associated with the severity of dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea and the patients' management in the ED or the hospital. Initial serum bicarbonate is associated with the decision to administer fluid boluses and potential bounce back.

Primary caregivers' experience with the informed consent process in the paediatric emergency department: An interview-based qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand primary caregivers' (PCG) experience with the informed consent (IC) process. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with PCGs of paediatric patients who underwent a procedure requiring IC in the paediatric emergency department (PED) of a tertiary care paediatric centre in the USA, between January and March 2013 and between September 2013 and January 2014. We triangulated the qualitative findings from the PCG interviews with Likert-scale responses from the PCGs and with results from surveyed physicians. RESULTS: We included 14 PCG-physician dyads. Our results show that PCGs understand the importance of the IC process. They appreciated the calm demeanor of providers, and the clarity of their wording. PCGs felt that IC can add to the stress, and that it could be made simpler and timelier. PCGs also had varying extents of retention of the information provided. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests an overall positive IC experience of the PCGs while highlighting areas for improvement including a more thorough discussion of alternatives, a better assessment of knowledge transmission and retention by the PCG, and recognition of the PCG's discomfort during decision making in a stressful environment.

Simulation-based curriculum development: lessons learnt in Global Health education.

BACKGROUND: Simulation based medical education (SBME) allows learners to acquire clinical skills without exposing patients to unnecessary risk. This is especially applicable to Emergency Medicine training programs where residents are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the management of time critical, low frequency, and highly-morbidity conditions. This study aims to describe the process through which a SBME curriculum was created, in a limited simulation resource setting at a 4-year Emergency Medicine (EM) residency program at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. METHODS: A case-based pilot simulation curriculum was developed following Kern's 6 step approach to curriculum design. The curricular objectives were identified through an anonymous survey of the program's residents and faculty. Curriculum outcomes were assessed, and the curriculum was revised to address curricular barriers. Evaluations of the revised curriculum were collected during the simulation sessions and through a whole revised curriculum evaluation at the end of the first year of its implementation. RESULTS: 14/20 residents (70%) and 8/8 faculty (100%) completed the needs assessment from which objectives for the pilot curriculum were developed and implemented through 6 2-h sessions over a 1-year period. Objectives were not met and identified barriers included cost, scheduling, resources, and limited faculty time. The revised curriculum addressed these barriers and 24 40-min sessions were successfully conducted during the following year. The sessions took place 3 at a time, in 2-h slots, using the same scenario to meet the objectives of the different learners' levels. 91/91 evaluations were collected from participants with overall positive results. The main differences between the pilot and the revised curricula included: a better understanding of the simulation center resources and faculty's capabilities. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based education is feasible even with limited-resources. However, understanding the resources available, and advocating for protected educator time are essential to implementing a successful EM simulation curriculum.

Pediatric emergency department utilisation during Ramadan: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Ramadan on patient characteristics, diagnoses and metrics in the paediatric emergency department (PED). DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: PED of a tertiary care centre in Lebanon. PATIENTS: All paediatric patients. EXPOSURE: Ramadan (June 2016 and 2017) versus the months before and after Ramadan (non-Ramadan). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient and illness characteristics and PED metrics including peak patient load; presentation timings; length of stay; and times to order tests, receive samples and report results. RESULTS: We included 5711 patients with mean age of 6.1±5.3 years and 55.4% males. The number of daily visits was 28.3±6.5 during Ramadan versus 31.5±7.3 during non-Ramadan (p=0.004). The peak time of visits ranged from 18:00 to 22:00 during non-Ramadan versus from 22:00 to 02:00 during Ramadan. During Ramadan, there were significantly more gastrointestinal (GI) and trauma-related complaints (39.0% vs 35.4%, p=0.01 and 2.9% vs 1.8%, p=0.005). The Ramadan group had faster work efficiency measures such as times to order tests (21.1±21.3 vs 24.3±28.1 min, p<0.0001) and to collect samples (50.7±44.5 vs 54.8±42.6 min, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Ramadan changes presentation patterns, with fewer daily visits and a later peak time of visits. Ramadan also affects illness presentation patterns with more GI and trauma cases. Fasting times during Ramadan did not affect staff work efficiency. These findings could help EDs structure their staffing to optimise resource allocation during Ramadan.

Does implementation of the PECARN rules for minor head trauma improve patient-centered outcomes in a lower resource emergency department: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Managing children with minor head trauma remains challenging for physicians who evaluate for the need for computed tomography (CT) imaging for clinically important traumatic brain injury (ciTBI) identification. The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) prediction rules were adopted in our pediatric emergency department (PED) in December 2013 to identify children at low risk for ciTBI. This study aimed to evaluate this implementation's impact on CT rates and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study on pediatric patients with head trauma presenting to the PED of the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon. Participants were divided into pre- (December 2012 to December 2013) and post-PECARN (January 2014 to December 2016) groups. Patients were further divided into < 2 and ≥ 2 years and stratified into groups of low, intermediate and high risk for ciTBI. Bivariate analysis was conducted to determine differences between both groups. RESULTS: We included 1362 children of which 425 (31.2%) presented pre- and 937 (68.8%) presented post-PECARN rules implementation with 1090 (80.0%) of low, 214 (15.7%) of intermediate and 58 (4.3%) of high risk for ciTBI. CTs were ordered on 92 (21.6%) pre- versus 174 (18.6%) patients post-PECARN (p = 0.18). Among patients < 2 years, CT rates significantly decreased from 25.2% (34/135) to 16.5% (51/309) post-PECARN (p = 0.03), and dropped in all risk groups but only significantly for low risk patients from 20.7% (24/116) to 11.4% (30/264) (p = 0.02). There was no significant decrease in CT rates in patients ≥2 years (20% pre (58/290) vs 19.6% post (123/628), p = 0.88). There was no increase in bounce back numbers, nor in admission rates or positive CT findings among bounce backs. CONCLUSIONS: PECARN rules implementation did not significantly change the overall CT scan rate but reduced the CT scan rate in patients aged < 2 years at low risk of ciTBI. The implementation did not increase the number of missed ciTBI.

Pulmonary Embolism Can Be Nauseous: A Case Report and Review of D-Dimer Use in Pediatric Oncology Patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a very common presentation in the emergency department (ED). Despite being life-threatening, PE is preventable if diagnosed and managed early, especially in high-risk patients like pediatric oncology patients. A negative d-dimer has a high negative predictive value and can rule out PE in low-risk patients; however, it does not lower post-test probability enough and should be coupled with further diagnostics in high-risk patients. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 14-year-old girl known to have acute lymphoblastic leukemia and presented to the ED with persistent nausea and vomiting only, which was exacerbated by exertion. She had previously presented to the ED 1 week earlier for the same complaint, with a nonrevealing physical examination. At that time, the patient was worked up for nausea and vomiting and received symptomatic treatment. An electrocardiogram (ECG) during that presentation showed normal sinus rhythm. During this presentation, ECG showed new ST segment depressions from V1 to V6 in addition to an S1Q3T3 pattern. This, coupled with the exacerbation of her initial symptoms, triggered further investigations. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest was performed and showed a right lower lobe segmental pulmonary artery embolus. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case highlights the importance of having a high level of suspicion for PE, especially in pediatric oncology patients and specifically in hematologic malignancies. Although our patient's presentation, examination, and laboratory results were not concerning initially, CTA of the chest showed a PE. We are addressing this particular topic to increase the awareness of emergency physicians of cases like this, as PE can have an unusual presentation and missing such a diagnosis can be fatal.

Association of emergency department admission and early inpatient palliative care consultation with hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center.

PURPOSE: Consultation to palliative care (PC) services in hospitalized patients is frequently late after admission to a hospital. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of in-hospital mortality and timing of palliative care consultation in cancer patients admitted through the emergency department (ED) of MD Anderson Cancer Center. METHODS: Institutional databases were queried for unique medical admissions over a period of 1 year. Primary cancer type, ED versus direct admission, length of stay (LOS), presenting symptoms, and in-hospital mortality were reviewed; patient data were analyzed, and risk factors for in-hospital mortality were identified. The association of early palliative care consultation (within 3 days of admission) with these outcomes was studied. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression model were used. RESULTS: Equal numbers of patients were admitted directly versus through the ED (7598 and 7538 respectively). However, of all patients who died in the hospital, 990 (88%) were admitted through the ED, compared with 137 admitted directly (P < 0.001). Patients who died in the hospital had longer median LOS compared with patients who were discharged alive (11 vs. 4 days, respectively, P < 0.001). Early palliative care consultation was associated with decreased mortality, compared with late consultation (P < 0.001). Chief complaints of respiratory problems, neurologic issues, or fatigue/weakness were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: We found an association between ED admission and hospital mortality. Decedent cancer patients had a prolonged LOS, and early palliative care consultation for terminally ill symptomatic patients may prevent in-hospital mortality and improve quality of cancer care.

A Global Health Research Checklist for clinicians.

Global health research has become a priority in most international medical projects. However, it is a difficult endeavor, especially for a busy clinician. Navigating the ethics, methods, and local partnerships is essential yet daunting.To date, there are no guidelines published to help clinicians initiate and complete successful global health research projects. This Global Health Research Checklist was developed to be used by clinicians or other health professionals for developing, implementing, and completing a successful research project in an international and often low-resource setting. It consists of five sections: Objective, Methodology, Institutional Review Board and Ethics, Culture and partnerships, and Logistics. We used individual experiences and published literature to develop and emphasize the key concepts. The checklist was trialed in two workshops and adjusted based on participants' feedback.

The Emergency Department Crash Cart: A systematic review and suggested contents.

BACKGROUND: As the field of Emergency Medicine grows worldwide, the importance of an Emergency Department Crash Cart (EDCC) has long been recognized. Yet, there is paucity of relevant peer-reviewed literature specifically discussing EDCCs or proposing detailed features for an EDCC suitable for both adult and pediatric patients. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review of EDCC-specific literature indexed in Pubmed and Embase on December 20, 2016. In addition, the authors reviewed the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care, the 2015 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines for resuscitation, and the 2013 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 9th edition. RESULTS: There were a total of 277 results, with 192 unique results and 85 duplicates. After careful review by two independent reviewers, all but four references were excluded. None of the four included articles described comprehensive contents of equipment and medications for both the adult and pediatric populations. This article describes in detail the final four articles specific to EDCC, and proposes a set of suggested contents for the EDCC. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review shows the striking paucity of such a high impact indispensable item in the ED. We hope that our EDCC content suggestions help enhance the level of response of EDs in the resuscitation of adult and pediatric populations, and encourage the implementation of and adherence to the latest evidence-based resuscitation guidelines.

The Emergency Department Crash Cart: A systematic review and suggested contents / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: As the field of Emergency Medicine grows worldwide, the importance of an Emergency Department Crash Cart (EDCC) has long been recognized. Yet, there is paucity of relevant peer-reviewed literature specificaly discussing EDCCs or proposing detailed features for an EDCC suitable for both adult and pediatric patients. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review of EDCC-specific literature indexed in Pubmed and Embase on December 20, 2016. In addition, the authors reviewed the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care, the 2015 European Resuscitation Council (ERC) guidelines for resuscitation, and the 2013 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 9th edition. RESULTS: There were a total of 277 results, with 192 unique results and 85 duplicates. After careful review by two independent reviewers, all but four references were excluded. None of the four included articles described comprehensive contents of equipment and medications for both the adult and pediatric populations. This article describes in detail the final four articles specific to EDCC, and proposes a set of suggested contents for the EDCC. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review shows the striking paucity of such a high impact indispensable item in the ED. We hope that our EDCC content suggestions help enhance the level of response of EDs in the resuscitation of adult and pediatric populations, and encourage the implementation of and adherence to the latest evidence-based resuscitation guidelines.

Pediatric preparedness of Lebanese emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: The pediatric preparedness of Lebanese Emergency Departments (EDs) has not been evaluated. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To describe the number, regional location, and characteristics of EDs in Lebanon providing care to children and to describe the staffing, equipment, and support services of these EDs. METHODS: We surveyed hospitals in Lebanon caring for children in an ED setting between September 2009 and September 2010. The survey was provided in English and Arabic and could be completed in person, by telephone, or on the Web. RESULTS: We identified 115 EDs that cared for children in Lebanon; 72 (63%) completed the survey, most of which were urban (54%). Ninety-three percent of the EDs had <20,000 total patient visits annually; children (variably defined) accounted for <29% of the patients at 89% of the sites. Physicians caring for children in the EDs had varied medical training; and a pediatrician was "usually involved" in the management of pediatric patients in 95% of the EDs. Only 27% of EDs had attending physicians present 24 h/day to care for children. Half of the hospitals had an intensive care unit that could care for children (48%). Most EDs had endotracheal tubes (95%) and intravenous catheters (90%) in all pediatric sizes. CONCLUSION: The emergency care of children in Lebanon is provided at numerous hospitals throughout the country, with a wide range of staffing patterns and available support services.

Evaluating cost awareness education in US pediatric emergency medicine fellowships.

OBJECTIVES: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandates pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowships to incorporate medical care cost teaching into the curriculum; however, there are no studies evaluating cost awareness of PEM fellows. Our objectives were to evaluate cost education during fellowship and assess fellows' knowledge and attitudes regarding costs. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous electronic survey of US PEM fellows in April-June 2009. RESULTS: We received 161 (63%) of 253 responses. Respondents represented all 3 years of training and all regions of the United States. Asked if the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires cost education, 35% responded no, and 44% were uncertain. More than 80% of fellows reported no formal cost education. More than 65% believed physicians should receive cost education during fellowship, and 75% felt the current amount of education is insufficient. Pediatric emergency medicine fellows showed low accuracy and considerable variability when estimating costs of tests and medications. Median fellows' estimate for a complete blood count was $50 (interquartile range, $55), where actual cost is $32. Only 23% were within 25% of the true cost. Similarly, the proportions of fellows estimating within 25% of actual cost were small for electrolytes (10%), blood culture (12%), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (22%). The same held true for the following medications: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (28%), Cefdinir (31%), and cefixime (10%). Ability to predict costs did not improve with year of training. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric emergency medicine fellows report little formal teaching on cost issues, and their ability to estimate costs is poor. However, they are receptive to more education on this important issue.