A Queensland-based Research Support Network, launched in 2015, significantly increased the number of active research projects among emergency departments from 36 to 144. The program also led to a fourfold increase in collaborative projects and a tripling of research ideas aimed at patient care.
A large clinical study in Australia and New Zealand aims to better understand sepsis treatment practices and evaluate the effectiveness of a reduced fluid approach. The study, funded by the Emergency Medicine Foundation, will investigate how intravenous fluids are used to treat sepsis patients.
A program keeping elderly aged care residents out of hospital emergency departments has been successful in reducing demand on emergency services. The 'Hospital in the Nursing Home' program saw a 47% decrease in hospital admissions among aged care patients, with an estimated economic benefit of AU$8 million per year.
The study found that on-site pathology testing reduced the need for medical evacuations by up to 35%, resulting in estimated total cost savings of $21.75 million per year. This technology enabled early diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation for critically ill patients in remote communities.
A recent study found that paramedics using the new drug droperidol sedate patients nearly 70% quicker than those receiving midazolam, with fewer side effects. The Queensland Ambulance Service introduced droperidol in 2016 to reduce violence against paramedics.
Australian hospitals have adopted two new protocols for assessing chest pain, which were developed by Professor Louise Cullen and Professor William Parsonage. The Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol (ADP) was found to identify low-risk patients correctly, reducing emergency department length of stay from 292 minutes to 256 minutes. The IMP...
A large-scale study found three clinical decision rules to be effective in identifying children at low risk of traumatic brain injury, potentially reducing unnecessary CT scans. The PECARN rule from the US was shown to be most accurate, with no missed cases requiring neurosurgery.
Researchers have found that using medical skin glue can significantly reduce IV drip failure rates due to infection, pain, blockage or falling out. By reducing the need for replacement, doctors can save staff time and free up valuable healthcare resources.
A large clinical trial found that a combination of propofol and ketamine was as effective as propofol alone for sedating adults in emergency departments. The study debunked concerns about ketamine causing adverse psychological reactions, revealing similar outcomes and high patient satisfaction rates.
A clinical trial found that patients with large kidney stones passed them more often when treated with the prostate drug Tamsulosin, offering potential relief from painful conditions. The treatment may also allow patients to be treated closer to home, improving care and reducing costs.