Health care safety incidents in paediatric emergency care.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize safety incidents in paediatric emergency departments (PEDs): frequency, sources, root causes, and consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study in the PED of the Clinical University Hospital XX (blinded for review). Patients were recruited through opportunity sampling and the data were collected during care delivery and one week later through a telephone survey. The methodology was based on the ERIDA study on patient safety incidents related to emergency care, which in turn was based on the ENEAS and EVADUR studies. RESULTS: The study included a total of 204 cases. At least one incident was detected in 25 cases, with two incidents detected in 3 cases, for a total incidence of 12.3%. Twelve incidents were detected during care delivery and the rest during the telephone call. Ten percent did not reach the patient, 7.1% reached the patient but caused no harm, and 82.1% reached the patient and caused harm. Thirteen incidents (46.4%) did not have an impact on care delivery, 8 (28.6%) required a new visit or referral, 6 (21.4%) required additional observation and 1 (3.6%) medical or surgical treatment. The most frequent root causes were health care delivery and medication. Incidents related to procedures and medication were most frequent. Of all incidents, 78.6% were considered preventable, with 50% identified as clear failures in health care delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Safety incidents affected 12.3% of children managed in the PED of the HCUVA, of which 78.6% were preventable.

The stress experienced in an emergency medical service (EMS): A descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Stress, described as an adaptation of the body to an event, is a considerable problem among health workers, especially for those who work in emergency situations, as they very often have to face complex situations. It has been proven that stress affects the performance of health professionals, which is why it is interesting to measure it in these situations, to be able to know what methods to implement to reduce it in future events. Despite having previous measurements in healthcare personnel during clinical simulations, this study is relevant because stress has never before been measured in EMS professionals when performing their work. OBJECTIVE: To determine the acute stress experienced by professionals in an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) when handling five types of clinical emergencies. As secondary objectives, to determine if there were differences in the increases in stress in relation to sex, age, profession, team, and above all, type of emergency handled. METHOD: The following were measured for the analysis: physiological (mean heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure), and biochemical (salivary alpha amylase (sAA) activity) markers, before (Basal) and after (Post-Stress) the interventions of 27 professionals from an EMS. RESULTS: In general, the results obtained showed significant differences between the baseline measurement of physiological and biochemical markers versus the post-exposure measurement. Some of the differences in stress levels in relation to sex and professional role are striking. CONCLUSION: The determination of acute stress experienced by professionals from an EMS in a real emergency showed significant increases in the sAA enzymatic marker of acute stress. These results are the first data published in this regard, and could be used as a reference to follow in clinical simulation in the training of students and the training of nursing professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Evidence based studies are needed to improve the education and training of emergency and intensive care professionals. The results from are a great step in the analysis of the real stress that professionals are subjected to when they handle different emergencies.

Cervical misalignment in motorcyclists in relation to new helmet removal recommendations shown with augmented reality resources: A biomechanical analysis.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the best technique and position for helmet removal in injured motorcyclists by comparing cervical misalignment produced in the supine position and prone position. Method: Comparative cross-sectional clinical simulation study to quantify CM using biomechanical analysis with the use of inertial systems. The main variable was determined for the flexion-extension motion. The extraction was tested for both positions (prone position and supine position), which were repeated 3 times for each of the 30 volunteers included, and the movement from the initial neutral position was also determined, resulting in a total of 270 biomechanical studies. Results: A flexion was observed when moving the patient from the neutral position to the SP, due to the size of the helmet, of 1.29° ± 5.12°. Helmet removal in the supine position resulted in an average flexion-extension range of 17.51° ± 6.49°, while the same extraction in prone position recorded an average range of 10.82° ± 8.05°. For the main variable, statistically significant differences were found when comparing prone position and supine position (p = 0.0087). Conclusions: The main conclusion of the study is that the helmet removal should be done in the position in which we find the patient, whether in prone position or supine position. Additionally, the new technique described for the prone position causes less movement of the cervical spine than the usual supine position.

Effects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training on mortality rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: An out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurs at a rate of 67-170 cases per 100 000 inhabitants per year in Europe. The early recognition of the occurrence of a cardiac arrest, placing an emergency call, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and performing defibrillation are the most important response measures. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effects of laypersons' CPR training with respect to CPR initiation rates, cardiovascular mortality rates, survival rate and the use of an automated external defibrillator. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The literature search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies, CINAHL, HBI, TESEO and NTX. Intervention studies and quasi-experimental studies in which CPR training interventions were performed will be included. We will exclude studies in which the participants do not meet the inclusion criteria, without a control group and in which the methodology of the intervention applied is unclear. There will be no restrictions on publication date or language of publication. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool for randomised controlled trials (RCT), non-RCT and quasi-experimental trials. Data analysis and synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1 software. The findings will be reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required, as only secondary data will be used. The findings will be published in a journal and presented at conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022365288.

[Screening for heart disease in kids and adolescents (Prevencar Program)]. / Screening de cardiopatías en niños y adolescentes (Prevencar Program).

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop a screening for heart disease detection in primary care, to identify pathological electrocardiographic changes and underlying heart disease in adolescents. DESIGN: The study was carried out for one year using multistage sampling. SITE: Primary care centers in a health area that had digital ECG equipment (12 centers) were selected. PARTICIPANTS: Initially, 718 (16.6%) 14-year-old adolescents were recruited and those with a previous diagnosis of heart disease were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Screening consisted of including a health questionnaire in the mandatory 14-year-old check-up. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Screening included a questionnaire, cardiac auscultation, ECG and echocardiography. Abnormality criteria were established to refer for a second evaluation by a cardiologist. RESULTS: Finally, the sample was made up of 698 adolescents, with a mean age of 13.7±0.5 years, and 354 (50.7%) were boys. A total of 149 (21.3%) were selected for a second review by cardiology: 88 (12.6%) due to a positive questionnaire, 11 (2.2%) due to abnormal cardiac auscultation, and 66 (9.5%) due to ECG findings. Adolescents with evidence of heart disease were 24 (3.4%). Of these, 14 (2.0%) had suggestive alterations and follow-up was recommended, 6 (0.9%) had a definitive diagnosis of heart disease, and 4 (0.6%) had other pathological findings related to the cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: The screening allowed us to identify 1% of adolescents with heart disease and another 2% will remain in follow-up. The ECG detected more pathological cases than the questionnaire.

[Impact of training schoolchildren how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation using stories and animated cartoons].

BACKGROUND: We compared the outcome of training schoolchildren how to perform CPR by parents/legal guardians in the family environment versus by teachers at school. METHODS: Randomized study of CPR learning in primary school children (1st and 2nd grades) in the Region of Murcia. Parents/legal guardians (family group) and teachers (teacher group) trained the children using didactic material adapted for that age population (one story and one cartoon video) from the educational series Jacinto y sus Amigos©. We evaluated eight theoretical knowledge items and five practical skills. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty schoolchildren were selected and 116 completed the study; in the family group, 51.3% did not finish the study. Children trained by teachers obtained significantly higher median scores in comparison with the family group both in theoretical knowledge (6.7; IQR=1.8 vs 4.7; IQR=3.1, respectively; p < 0.001) and in all practical skills except for "recognizing an emergency situation". Children in the family group, learning CPR with one story and one cartoon video achieved significantly better scores in five theoretical knowledge items and four skills than with only the story. CONCLUSIONS: Using non-technological educational resources, e.g., stories and animated cartoons for teaching CPR to primary school students, increases their knowledge and skills. Schoolchildren trained in the educational environment acquired more knowledge and skills than those trained by parents. Within the family environment, CPR teaching was more effective through one story and one cartoon video than when only the story was used.

Workplace violence in hospital emergency departments and consequences for health care professionals and support staff: a cluster analysis. / Violencia laboral de usuarios y sus consecuencias sobre profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios de los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios: análisis de clúster.

OBJECTIVES: Workplace violence of any type is influenced by multiple factors and leads to physiological, psychological, social, and organizational change. Emergency and other urgent care settings have assault rates up to 5-fold higher than other health care settings. This study aimed to analyze the consequences of physical and nonphysical violence on health care and support personnel in hospital emergency departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional descriptive analysis of responses to a 121-item survey of 584 health care and support workers in 12 Spanish hospital emergency departments. We analyzed the magnitude of the problem with a two-step self-clustering method and then assessed the associations between variables and workplace violence. RESULTS: Two groups were identified. The first consisted of 298 cases with high mean (SD) scores for nonphysical assaults (51.5 [7.9]) and low scores for physical violence (4.8 [2.9]). The second group consisted of 285 cases with intermediate scores for nonphysical assaults (27.1 [8.4]) and low scores for physical violence (3.4 [1.3]). CONCLUSION: Emergency departments have incidents of nonphysical workplace violence more often than physical violence. Emergency personnel with high exposure to workplace violence, particularly nonphysical assaults, experience physiological, psychosocial, and organizational changes.

OBJETIVO: La violencia laboral en cualquiera de sus modalidades se halla influenciada por múltiples factores, dando lugar a cambios fisiológicos, psicológicos, sociales y organizacionales, y los entornos de urgencias y emergencias presentan una incidencia de hasta cinco veces más con respecto al resto de servicios sanitarios. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las características que desarrollan los profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios de los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) que sufren violencia laboral física y no física. METODO: Es un diseño trasversal, descriptivo-analítico mediante la aplicación de un formulario de 121 ítems a una muestra de 584 profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios de 12 hospitales españoles con SUHS, se aplicó análisis estadístico para magnitud del evento y análisis de clúster mediante método stepwise con solución de autoclustering y posterior relación de variables del estudio con violencia laboral. RESULTADOS: Tras la aplicación inicial del método descrito, se conformaron 2 grupos, el primero de ellos incluye a 298 casos y se caracteriza por puntuaciones altas en violencia no física (media: 51,5, desviación estándar: 7,9) y bajas en física (4,8, 2,9). Por otro lado, el segundo grupo está compuesto por 285 casos y se caracteriza por puntuaciones intermedias en violencia no física (27,1, 8,4) y bajas en física (3,4, 1,3). CONCLUSIONES: En los SUH existen manifestaciones de violencia laboral no física que presentan una mayor incidencia que las manifestaciones de violencia física. Aquellos profesionales con elevada exposición a violencia laboral, y en concreto a violencia no física, presentan alteraciones biopsicosociales y organizacionales.

Urban search and rescue operations (USAR) in collapsed buildings after the 2023 earthquake in Türkiye. / Equipos de búsqueda y rescate urbano (USAR) en estructuras colapsadas en el terremoto de Turquía de 2023.

TEXT: The earthquakes that occurred in February 2023 in Türkiye had some of the worst consequences of recent years. The Turkish authorities first deployed local resources and then appealed for international help. The International Search and Rescue Group of the United Nations aims to establish minimum international standards for search and rescue teams and a methodology for coordinating responses to earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters. A main concern of the group is to coordinate operations on the ground. This article offers perspectives on the epidemiology of earthquakes, the management of emergency response teams and Türkiye's disaster management agency (AFAD); it also explains how rescues are carried out in collapsed buildings. The experience of Firefighters Without Borders after the recent earthquakes and a rescue that took 14 hours are also described.

TEXTO: Los terremotos ocurridos en Turquía en febrero de 2023 han sido unos de los de mayor impacto en los últimos años. Las autoridades del país, tras activar sus recursos locales y nacionales, hicieron una solicitud de ayuda internacional. Dentro de la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU) se encuentra el Grupo Asesor Internacional de Búsqueda y Rescate (INSARAG), cuyos objetivos son establecer las normas internacionales mínimas para los equipos de rescate e implementar una metodología para la coordinación internacional ante terremotos, maremotos y otros desastres naturales, especialmente la coordinación operativa sobre el terreno. El objetivo de este trabajo es ofrecer una visión sobre la epidemiología de los terremotos, la gestión de los equipos de emergencias, la Asociación de Ayuda a Desastres y Emergencias (AFAD) de Turquía, y abordar cómo es el rescate en estructuras colapsadas. Además, se expone la experiencia de Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (BUSF) en dicho terremoto y se describe un rescate que duró 14 horas.

Extended reality as a health education strategy of adolescents at school: protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Extended reality (XR) is the ensemble of interactive experiences based on a computer-simulated environment that encompasses virtual reality and augmented reality and has been proven to be potentially innovative in the field of health education with adolescents. The objective of this study is to present a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol that seeks to evaluate the main effects of interventions that use XR on health parameters (food intake, sound quality and physical activity) of adolescent students. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The literature search will be performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, ERIC, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane, LILACS, APA and ADOLEC. Intervention studies (clinical trials-randomised or non-randomised) and quasi-experimental studies will be included. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and quasi-experimental trials. Two independent researchers will conduct all the assessments, and any disagreements will be consulted with a third reviewer. Data analysis and synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1 software. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guideline. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval and human consent were not required, as this is a protocol for a systematic review and only secondary data will be used. The findings will be published in a journal and presented at conferences. In case of any changes to this protocol, it will be updated in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses website, and the modifications will be explained in the final report of this review. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022373876.

Effect of Spatiotemporal Parameters on the Gait of Children Aged from 6 to 12 Years in Podiatric Tests: A Cross Sectional Study.

The use of lower limb tests in the paediatric population is of great importance for diagnostic evaluations. The aim of this study is to understand the relationship between the tests performed on the feet and ankles, covering all of its planes, and the spatiotemporal parameters of children's gait. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional observational study. Children aged between 6 and 12 years participated. Measurements were carried out in 2022. An analysis of three tests used to assess the feet and ankles (FPI, the ankle lunge test, and the lunge test), as well as a kinematic analysis of gait using OptoGait as a measurement tool, was performed. RESULTS: The spatiotemporal parameters show how Jack's Test is significant in the propulsion phase in its % parameter, with a p-value of 0.05 and a mean difference of 0.67%. Additionally, in the lunge test, we studied the % of midstance in the left foot, with a mean difference between the positive test and the 10 cm test of 10.76 (p value of 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic analysis of the functional limitation of the first toe (Jack's test) is correlated with the spaciotemporal parameter of propulsion, as well as the lunge test, which is also correlated with the midstance phase of gait.

Efficiency of virtual reality for cardiopulmonary resuscitation training of adult laypersons: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is an interesting and promising way to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to adult laypersons as its high immersive characteristics could improve the level of skills and acquired knowledge in learning basic life support (BLS). METHODS: This systematic review assesses current literature about BLS training with VR and its possible effect on CPR-quality parameters, self-efficacy, perceived learning, and learners' satisfaction and short and long-term patients' outcome. We screened the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus databases and included only clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies published from inception to October 1, 2021, which analyzed adult laypersons' BLS training with the use of VR. Primary outcomes were CPR parameters (chest compression rate and depth, Automated External Defibrillator use). Secondary outcomes were self-efficacy, perceived learning and learners satisfaction, and patients' outcomes (survival and good neurologic status). The risk of bias of included study was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions tool to evaluate randomized control trials and the transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs checklist for nonrandomized studies. RESULTS: After full article screening, 6 studies were included in the systematic review (731 participants) published between 2017 and 2021. Because of the heterogeneity of the studies, we focused on describing the studies rather than meta-analysis. The assessment of the quality of evidence revealed overall a very low quality. Training with VR significantly improved the rate and depth of chest compressions in 4 out of 6 articles. VR was described as an efficient teaching method, exerting a positive effect on self-efficacy, perception of confidence, and competence in 2 articles. CONCLUSION: VR in BLS training improves manual skills and self-efficacy of adult laypersons and may be a good teaching method in a blended learning CPR training strategy. VR may add another way to divide complex parts of resuscitation training into easier individual skills. However, the conclusion of this review suggests that VR may improve the quality of the chest compressions as compared to instructor-led face-to-face BLS training.

Biomechanical Analysis of Cervical Motion With a Pediatric Immobilization and Extrication Device.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the motions produced during pediatric extrication when using a system of motion estriction and extrication. METHODS: Simulation-based biomechanical analysis study conducted with inertial sensors to measure motion produced in the cervical spine of a pediatric simulator during extrication from a vehicle. RESULTS: The mean of the movements was 3.5° (SD ±1.35°). The mean time was 4 minutes 1 second (SD, ±45.09 seconds). The mean rotation toward the right was 3.34° (SD ±3.52°) and toward the left 2.62° (SD ±2.26°). The mean for lateralization was 6.24° (SD ±3.20°) toward the right and 2.50° (DE ±2.76°) toward the left. The mean for flexion was 2.36° (SD ±2.10°) and for extension 4.21° (SD ±2.15°). CONCLUSIONS: The device analyzed allows for the extrication of the pediatric patient with high levels of motion restriction of the spinal column with the Pediatric Immobilization and Extrication System.

"Dispatcher, Can You Help Me? A Woman Is Giving Birth". A Pilot Study of Remote Video Assistance with Smart Glasses.

Smart glasses (SG) could be a breakthrough in emergency situations, so the aim of this work was to assess the potential benefits of teleassistance with smart glasses (SG) from a midwife to a lifeguard in a simulated, unplanned, out-of-hospital birth (OHB). Thirty-eight lifeguards were randomized into SG and control (CG) groups. All participants were required to act in a simulated imminent childbirth with a maternal−fetal simulator (PROMPT Flex, Laerdal, Norway). The CG acted autonomously, while the SG group was video-assisted by a midwife through SG (Vuzix Blade, New York, NY, USA). The video assistance was based on the OHB protocol, speaking and receiving images on the SG. The performance time, compliance with the protocol steps, and perceived performance with the SG were evaluated. The midwife's video assistance with SG allowed 35% of the SG participants to perform the complete OHB protocol. No CG participant was able to perform it (p = 0.005). All OHB protocol variables were significantly better in the SG group than in the CG (p < 0.05). Telemedicine through video assistance with SG is feasible so that a lifeguard with no knowledge of childbirth care can act according to the recommendations in a simulated, unplanned, uncomplicated OHB. Communication with the midwife by speaking and sending images to the SG is perceived as an important benefit to the performance.

[Violence of users towards health and non-health professionals in Hospital Emergency Services: descriptive-comparative cross-sectional study.] / Violencia de usuarios hacia profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios en Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias. Estudio transversal descriptivo-comparativo.

OBJECTIVE: Workplace violence is a public health problem that affects professionals in the hospital emergency services, being this environment where there is an intense interaction with users and / or relatives who require critical and / or special care. Given this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to user violence perceived by different health and non-health professionals in Emergency Services belonging to eleven Spanish hospitals. METHODS: The design was an associative, descriptive-comparative cross-sectional strategy developed in 2019 with a sample of 584 healthcare and non-healthcare professionals from eleven Spanish hospital emergency services in eight Spanish autonomous communities. Non-parametric statistics were used for between-group comparisons, post-hoc analysis and the calculation of the effect size. RESULTS: 100% of respondents acknowledged having suffered workplace violence at least once in the last year. Specifically, at least eight out of every ten professionals were exposed to non-physical violence (range 85.1%-100%). The group that most perceived this violence was administration, followed by nursing, medicine and auxiliary nursing care technician (T.C.A.E) (H=28.881; p=0.001). While the manifestations of physical violence affected approximately three out of ten professionals (range 22.6%-29.5%), it is more present in the Auxiliary Nursing Care Technicians (T.C.A.E), followed by medical and nursing health professionals, as well as non-health professionals, orderlies and administration (H=9.800; p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows the high prevalence of a medium or low intensity violent behavior in spanish Emergency Services. In addition, it allows to deepen in the different manifestations of violence received by the main professional groups of these services.

OBJETIVO: La violencia laboral es un problema de Salud Pública que afecta a profesionales de los Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias, siendo este entorno donde existe una intensa interacción con los pacientes usuarios y/o familiares que precisan cuidados críticos y/o especiales. Con ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la exposición a la violencia de los usuarios percibida por los distintos profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios de los Servicios de Urgencias pertenecientes a once hospitales españoles. METODOS: El diseño fue una estrategia asociativa, de corte transversal, resultando un estudio descriptivo-comparativo, desarrollado en 2019, con una muestra de 584 profesionales sanitarios y no sanitarios de once servicios españoles de Urgencias Hospitalarias de ocho comunidades autónomas españolas. Se utilizaron estadísticos no paramétricos para las comparaciones entre grupo, análisis post-hoc y el cálculo de la magnitud del efecto. RESULTADOS: El 100% de los encuestados reconocieron haber sufrido violencia laboral al menos una vez en el último año. Específicamente, en cuanto a violencia no física, al menos ocho de cada diez profesionales estuvieron expuestos (rango 85,1%-100%). El grupo que más percibió esta violencia fue administración, seguidos de los profesionales sanitarios de enfermería y medicina, así como de los técnicos de cuidados auxiliares de enfermería (T.C.A.E) (H=28,881; p=0,001). Por otro lado, las manifestaciones de violencia física afectaron aproximadamente a tres de cada diez profesionales (rango 22,6%-29,5%), estando más presente en T.C.A.E y seguidos de los profesionales sanitarios de medicina y enfermería, así como de los profesionales no sanitarios, celadores y administración (H=9,800; p=0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro estudio evidencia la alta prevalencia de conductas violentas de media o baja intensidad en los servicios de Urgencias y Emergencias españoles. Además, permite profundizar en las distintas manifestaciones de violencia recibidas por los principales grupos profesionales de estos servicios.