A time-motion study on impact of spatial separation for empiric airborne precautions in emergency department length of stay.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of spatial separation on patient flow in the emergency department. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, time-and-motion analysis conducted from 15 to 22 August, 2022 at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During this duration, spatial separation was implemented in critical and semi-critical zones to separate patients with symptoms of respiratory infections into respiratory area, and patients without into non-respiratory area. This study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. METHODS: Patients triaged to critical and semi-critical zones were included in this study. Timestamps of patient processes in emergency department until patient departure were documented. RESULTS: The emergency department length-of-stay was longer in respiratory area compared to non-respiratory area; 527 min (381-698) versus 390 min (285-595) in critical zone and 477 min (312-739) versus 393 min (264-595) in semi-critical zone. In critical zone, time intervals of critical flow processes and compliance to hospital benchmarks were similar in both areas. More patients in respiratory area were managed within the arrival-to-contact ≤30 min benchmark and more patients in non-respiratory area had emergency department length-of-stay ≤8 h. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of spatial separation in infection control should address decision-to-departure delays to minimise emergency department length of stay. IMPACT: The study evaluated the impact of spatial separation on patient flow in the emergency department. Emergency department length-of-stay was significantly prolonged in the respiratory area. Hospital administrators and policymakers can optimise infection control protocols measures in emergency departments, balancing infection control measures with efficient patient care delivery. REPORTING METHOD: STROBE guidelines. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: None. TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The study obtained ethics approval from the institution's Medical Ethics Committee (MREC ID NO: 20221113-11727). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The author has checked and make sure our submission has conformed to the Journal's statistical guideline. There is a statistician on the author team (Noor Azhar).

Non-rebreather mask and low-flow nasal cannula vs high-flow nasal cannula in severe COVID-19 pneumonia in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effectiveness of non-rebreather mask combined with low-flow nasal cannula (NRB + NC) compared to high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in improving oxygenation in patients with COVID-19-related hypoxemic respiratory failure (HRF). METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in emergency departments of two tertiary hospitals from June 1 to August 31, 2021. Consecutive patients aged >18 years admitted for COVID-19-related HRF (World Health Organization criteria: confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia with respiratory rate > 30 breaths/min, severe respiratory distress, or peripheral oxygen saturation < 90% on room air) requiring NRB + NC or HFNC were screened for enrollment. Primary outcome was improvement of partial pressure arterial oxygen (PaO2) at two hours. Secondary outcomes were intubation rate, ventilator-free days, hospital length of stay, and 28-day mortality. Data were analyzed using linear regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity score. RESULTS: Among the 110 patients recruited, 52 (47.3%) were treated with NRB + NC, and 58 (52.7%) with HFNC. There were significant improvements in patients' PaO2, PaO2/FIO2 ratio, and respiratory rate two hours after the initiation of NRB + NC and HFNC. Comparing the two groups, after IPTW adjustment, there were no statistically significant differences in PaO2 improvement (adjusted mean ratio [MR] 2.81; 95% CI -5.82 to 11.43; p = .524), intubation rate (adjusted OR 1.76; 95% CI 0.44 to 6.92; p = .423), ventilator-free days (adjusted MR 0.00; 95% CI -8.84 to 8.85; p = .999), hospital length of stay (adjusted MR 3.04; 95% CI -2.62 to 8.69; p = .293), and 28-day mortality (adjusted OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.15 to 2.98; p = .608). CONCLUSION: HFNC may be beneficial in COVID-19 HRF. NRB + NC is a viable alternative, especially in resource-limited settings, given similar improvement in oxygenation at two hours, and no significant differences in long-term outcomes. The effectiveness of NRB + NC needs to be investigated by a powered randomized controlled trial.

A comparison between the effectiveness of a gamified approach with the conventional approach in point-of-care ultrasonographic training.

BACKGROUND: Although gamification increases user engagement, its effectiveness in point-of-care ultrasonographic training has yet to be fully established. This study was conducted with the primary outcome of evaluating its effectiveness in point-of-care ultrasonographic training as compared to conventional approach. METHODS: Participants consisting of junior doctors were randomized into either the (1) gamified or the (2) conventional educational approach for ultrasonographic training. RESULTS: A total of 31 junior doctors participated in this study (16 participants in gamified arm, 15 in the conventional arm after one participant from the conventional arm dropped out due to work commitment). Two-way mixed ANOVA test showed that there was no statistically significant interaction between the types of educational approach and time of testing (pre-test, post-test, 2 months post-training) for both theoretical knowledge score and practical skills score, with F(2, 58) = 39.6, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.4 and F(2, 58) = 3.06, p = 0.06, partial η2 = 0.095, respectively. For theoretical knowledge score, pairwise comparisons showed that the mean 2 months post-training scores (20.28 +/- 0.70, 95% CI 18.87-21.69) and mean post-test scores (20.27 +/- 0.65, 95% CI 18.94-21.60) were better than the pre-test scores (12.99 +/- 0.50, 95% CI 11.97-14.00) with p-values < 0.001 for both comparisons respectively. Similarly, for practical skill score, pairwise comparisons showed that the mean 2 months post-training scores (20.28 +/- 0.70, 95% CI 18.87-21.69) and mean post-test scores (20.27 +/- 0.65, 95% CI 18.94-21.60) were also better than the pre-test scores (12.99 +/- 0.50, 95% CI 11.97-14.00) with p-values < 0.001 for both comparisons respectively. Participants in the gamification arm generally perceived the various game elements and game mechanics as useful in contributing and motivating them to learn ultrasonography. CONCLUSIONS: Gamification approach could be an effective alternative to conventional approach in point-of-care ultrasonographic training.

Feasibility and acceptability of a dengue self-monitoring system to reduce treatment delay in Malaysia: A single-centre pilot randomised controlled trial.

Objective: Most dengue cases are managed in an outpatient setting, where patients are advised to return to the clinic daily for monitoring. Some patients can develop severe dengue at home and fail to recognise the deterioration. An application called DengueAid was designed as a self-monitoring tool for patients to reduce delay in seeking timely treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of the DengueAid application. Methods: Dengue patients were recruited from a public health clinic in Malaysia and randomised to either use the DengueAid application plus standard care for dengue or receive only the standard care. The outcomes evaluated were the (1) feasibility of recruitment, data collection and follow-up procedures; (2) preliminary clinical outcome measures; and (3) acceptability of DengueAid. Qualitative interviews were conducted for participants in the intervention arm to assess the acceptability of DengueAid. Results: Thirty-seven patients were recruited with 97% (n = 36) retention rates. The recruitment rate was low (63% refusal rate, n = 62/99) with difficulty in data collection and follow-up due to the variable interval of care for dengue in an outpatient setting. DengueAid application was acceptable to the participants, but preliminary clinical outcomes and qualitative data suggested limited utility of the application. Unwell conditions of patients and limited access to healthcare are important factors impacting the application's utility. Conclusion: The feasibility trial uncovered issues with recruitment, data collection and follow-up processes. Further research and modification to the application are needed to improve its utility and usability.

Self-care practices and health-seeking behaviours in patients with dengue fever: A qualitative study from patients' and physicians' perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient management for dengue fever is the mainstay of treatment for most dengue cases. However, severe dengue can develop rapidly while patients are at home. Understanding the self-care practices and healthcare-seeking behaviours among dengue patients managed as outpatients will help improve the delivery of care to these patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the self-care practices, health-seeking behaviour and outpatient management of dengue fever from the perspectives of patients and primary care physicians. METHODOLOGY: This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to obtain information from laboratory-confirmed dengue patients who received outpatient care and primary care physicians who cared for them. Patients and physicians shared their experiences and perceptions of self-care practices, decisions to seek urgent care, and outpatient management procedures and visit frequency. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: 13 patients and 11 physicians participated. We discovered that the use of traditional remedies was common with patients perceiving no harm from it, whereas physicians did not see a benefit. Dengue patients' knowledge of warning signs was inadequate despite the information being provided by physicians during clinical follow-up visits. Regarding the decision to seek urgent medical care, physicians assumed patients would seek help immediately once they experienced warning signs. However, for the patients, other factors influenced their health-seeking behaviour, such as their personal perceptions of symptom severity and often more importantly, their social circumstances (e.g., availability of childcare). Patients also described regular outpatient follow-up for dengue as inconvenient. There was variation in the prescribed outpatient follow-up interval recommended by participating physicians who complained about the lack of clear guidelines. CONCLUSION: Perceptions around self-care practices, health-seeking behaviour and outpatient management of dengue often differed between physicians and patients, especially on comprehension of dengue warning signs. Addressing these gaps between patient and physician perceptions and recognition of patient drivers of health-seeking behaviour are needed to improve the safety and delivery of outpatient care for dengue patients.

Subcutaneous versus intravenous tramadol for extremity injury with moderate pain in the emergency department: a randomised controlled noninferiority trial.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Musculoskeletal trauma is a common presentation in the emergency department (ED). Tramadol as an analgesic has been recommended by pain management guidelines for musculoskeletal pain. Parenteral tramadol in the ED is commonly administered intravenously. Subcutaneously administered tramadol may have other advantages such as easier and faster preparation, avoids the need for intravenous (i.v.) access, and reduces the incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal effects. However, studies comparing subcutaneous (s.c.) and i.v. tramadol for the management of acute moderate pain in patients with extremity injury are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of s.c. tramadol vs. i.v. tramadol in patients with moderate pain due to extremity injury in the ED. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: This non-inferiority randomized controlled trial included adult patients presented to an academic, tertiary hospital ED with moderate pain (pain score of 4-6 on the visual analog scale) due to extremity injury. Intervention patients stratified to pain score were randomized to receive 50 mg of i.v. or s.c. tramadol. OUTCOMES MEASURE AND ANALYSIS: Primary outcome measure was the difference in the pain score reduction at 30 min after tramadol administration between the two groups. The noninferiority null hypothesis was that the therapeutic difference in terms of pain score reduction of more than 0.8 exists between the two treatment groups at the endpoint. MAIN RESULTS: In total 232 patients were randomized to i.v. ( n = 115) or s.c. ( n = 117). Although 225 were analyzed in the per-protocol population (i.v. = 113; s.c. = 112). The baseline median pain score was 6 (IQR, 5-6). Median pain score reduction at 30 min after administration was 2 (IQR, 1-3) in the IV group vs. 2 (IQR, 1-2) in the s.c. group with a median difference of 0 (IQR, 0-0), which was below the prespecified noninferiority margin of 0.8. Adverse events in the i.v. group were higher compared to the s.c. group (33.6% vs. 8.9%, P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The s.c. tramadol is noninferior to i.v. tramadol in the treatment of moderate pain from extremity injuries.

A cross-sectional study of assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice of COVID-19 resuscitation among health care workers in a hybrid hospital for COVID-19 in Malaysia.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is an international public health emergency. As hospitals receive more severe forms of COVID-19 that necessitate resuscitation, emergency health care workers (HCW) must follow interim COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice among emergency HCW of the COVID-19 resuscitation protocol by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire was conducted among HCW in the emergency department of University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Malaysia from April to June 2021. RESULTS: A total of 159 respondents were included in the analysis (89% response rate). Sixty-eight percent of respondents had adequate knowledge regarding COVID-19 resuscitation. Majority of the respondents had knowledge on airborne-precaution personal protective equipment (PPE) (99%) and infection control measures (98%). Nearly 73% were pessimistic about the COVID-19 prognosis. Seventy-three percent of respondents thought an arrested COVID-19 patient may benefit from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 94% were willing to administer CPR provided airborne-precaution PPE was available. Ninety percent of respondents reported adherence to resuscitation guidelines. There were significant differences in the mean knowledge scores between designation, education levels, and COVID-19 training. Overall, the respondents' level of practice was insufficient (27%), with a mean score of 53.7%(SD = 14.7). There was a lack of practicein the resuscitation oftheintubatedand patients who were beingprone. There was insufficient practice about ventilation technique, use ofsupraglotticdevices, and intubation barriers. There was a positive correlation between adequate knowledge and good practice. CONCLUSION: Emergency HCW have adequate knowledge, but poor compliance to the ERC COVID-19 guidelines. Emergency HCW were willing and confident to resuscitate COVID-19 patients, despite fears of nosocomial infection and expectation of poor patients' prognosis. Ongoing education and trainingprogramsare recommended to improve their knowledge, cultivate a positive attitude, andachievegood compliance with COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines.

Utility and usability of an automated COVID-19 symptom monitoring system (CoSMoS) in primary care during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 telemonitoring applications have been developed and used in primary care to monitor patients quarantined at home. There is a lack of evidence on the utility and usability of telemonitoring applications from end-users' perspective. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a COVID-19 symptom monitoring system (CoSMoS) by exploring its utility and usability with end-users. METHODS: This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews. Patients with suspected COVID-19 infection who used CoSMoS Telegram bot to monitor their COVID-19 symptoms and doctors who conducted the telemonitoring via CoSMoS dashboard were recruited. Universal sampling was used in this study. We stopped the recruitment when data saturation was reached. Patients and doctors shared their experiences using CoSMoS, its utility and usability for COVID-19 symptoms monitoring. Data were coded and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients and 4 doctors were recruited into this study. For utility, CoSMoS was useful in providing close monitoring and continuity of care, supporting patients' decision making, ensuring adherence to reporting, and reducing healthcare workers' burden during the pandemic. In terms of usability, patients expressed that CoSMoS was convenient and easy to use. The use of the existing social media application for symptom monitoring was acceptable for the patients. The content in the Telegram bot was easy to understand, although revision was needed to keep the content updated. Doctors preferred to integrate CoSMoS into the electronic medical record. CONCLUSION: CoSMoS is feasible and useful to patients and doctors in providing remote monitoring and teleconsultation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The utility and usability evaluation enables the refinement of CoSMoS to be a patient-centred monitoring system.

Assessing dehydration status in dengue patients using urine colourimetry and mobile phone technology.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is a systemic and dynamic disease with symptoms ranging from undifferentiated fever to dengue shock syndrome. Assessment of patients' severity of dehydration is integral to appropriate care and management. Urine colour has been shown to have a high correlation with overall assessment of hydration status. This study tests the feasibility of measuring dehydration severity in dengue fever patients by comparing urine colour captured by mobile phone cameras to established laboratory parameters. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Photos of urine samples were taken in a customized photo booth, then processed using Adobe Photoshop to index urine colour into the red, green, and blue (RGB) colour space and assigned a unique RGB value. The RGB values were then correlated with patients' clinical and laboratory hydration indices using Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression. There were strong correlations between urine osmolality and the RGB of urine colour, with r = -0.701 (red), r = -0.741 (green), and r = -0.761 (blue) (all p-value <0.05). There were strong correlations between urine specific gravity and the RGB of urine colour, with r = -0.759 (red), r = -0.785 (green), and r = -0.820 (blue) (all p-value <0.05). The blue component had the highest correlations with urine specific gravity and urine osmolality. There were moderate correlations between RGB components and serum urea, at r = -0.338 (red), -0.329 (green), -0.360 (blue). In terms of urine biochemical parameters linked to dehydration, multiple linear regression studies showed that the green colourimetry code was predictive of urine osmolality (ß coefficient -0.082, p-value <0.001) while the blue colourimetry code was predictive of urine specific gravity (ß coefficient -2,946.255, p-value 0.007). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Urine colourimetry using mobile phones was highly correlated with the hydration status of dengue patients, making it a potentially useful hydration status tool.