Feasibility of task-sharing with community health workers for the identification, emergency management and referral of women with pre-eclampsia, in Mozambique

Background Maternal mortality is an important public health problem in low-income countries. Delays in reaching health facilities and insufficient health care professionals call for innovative community-level solutions. There is limited evidence on the role of community health workers in the management of pregnancy complications. This study aimed to describe the feasibility of task-sharing the initial screening and initiation of obstetric emergency care for pre-eclampsia/eclampsia from the primary healthcare providers to community health workers in Mozambique and document healthcare facility preparedness to respond to referrals. Method The study took place in Maputo and Gaza Provinces in southern Mozambique and aimed to inform the Community-Level Interventions for Pre-eclampsia (CLIP) cluster randomized controlled trial. This was a mixed-methods study. The quantitative data was collected through self-administered questionnaires completed by community health workers and a health facility survey; this data was analysed using Stata v13. The qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with various community groups, health care providers, and policymakers. All discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to thematic analysis using QSR NVivo 10. Data collection was complemented by reviewing existing documents regarding maternal health and community health worker policies, guidelines, reports and manuals. Results Community health workers in Mozambique were trained to identify the basic danger signs of pregnancy; however, they have not been trained to manage obstetric emergencies. Furthermore, barriers at health facilities were identified, including lack of equipment, shortage of supervisors, and irregular drug availability. All primary and the majority of secondary-level facilities (57%) do not provide blood transfusions or have surgical capacity, and thus such cases must be referred to the tertiary-level. Although most healthcare facilities (96%) had access to an ambulance for referrals, no transport was available from the community to the healthcare facility. Conclusions This study showed that task-sharing for screening and pre-referral management of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were deemed feasible and acceptable at the community-level, but an effort should be in place to address challenges at the health system level.

Puntos clave sobre la COVID-19 en los servicios de urgencias: propuestas de mejora para su atención en Latinoamérica / Key issues in emergency department management of COVID-19: proposals for improving care for patients in Latin America

La incidencia y el impacto de la COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) en Latinoamérica y España, en particular en sus servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH), independientemente de la diversidad de los conceptos y definiciones de casos confirmados o sospechosos empleados ha sido, es, y, desgraciadamente a medio plazo, va a seguir siendo enorme, sostenida e imprevisible. En este escenario global, un grupo multinacional de expertos y representantes del Grupo de Trabajo Latinoamericano para la mejora de la atención del paciente con Infección en Urgencias (GT-LATINFURG), compuesto por 13 Sociedades y Asociaciones Científicas que integran la Federación Latinoamericana de Medicina de Emergencias (FLAME), junto con la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias (SEMES),ha elaborado diversos documentos técnicos y de opinión destinados a los profesionales de los Sistemas de Urgencias y Emergencias de nuestros países. El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer unas pautas o recomendaciones consensuadas para facilitar la actuación de los SUH en relación los puntos que los miembros del grupo han considerado más interesantes o clave en relación a: la necesidad de reorganizar los SUH, triaje, disponibilidad de pruebas complementarias habituales y otras como biomarcadores, la identificación del paciente con COVID-19 a través de criterios clínicos, analíticos, radiológicos y microbiológicos, así como factores de riesgo, pronóstico y de mortalidad que puedan ayudara detectar rápidamente a los pacientes graves a su llegada a los dispositivos de Urgencias y Emergencias de los hospitales en nuestro entorno

The incidence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Latin America and Spain and its impact particularly on hospital emergency departments have been great, sustained, and unpredictable. Unfortunately, this situation will continue in the medium term, regardless of the diverse concepts and definitions used to identify cases or hypotheses about the role of staff. In the context of the worldwide pandemic, a multinational group of experts from the Latin American Working Group to Improve Care for Patients With Infection (GT-LATINFURG) has drafted various opinion papers for use by emergency care systems in the member countries. The GT-LATINFURG is comprised of representatives from the 13 scientific associations affiliated with the Latin American Federation for Emergency Medicine (FLAME). Experts from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) also participated. The present consensus statement offers protocols and recommendations to facilitate the work of hospital emergency departments with regard to key issues the group identified, namely, the need for reorganization, triage, and routine test availability. Additional issues discussed include biomarkers; clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and microbiologic criteria for identifying patients with COVID-19; and risk and prognostic factors for mortality that emergency staff can use to quickly detect severe cases in our settings

Chinese Stroke Association guidelines for clinical management of cerebrovascular disorders: executive summary and 2019 update on organizational stroke management

Stroke is characterised by high morbidity, mortality and disability, which seriously affects the health and safety of the people. Stroke has become a serious public health problem in China. Organisational stroke management can significantly reduce the mortality and disability rates of patients with stroke. We provide this evidence-based guideline to present current and comprehensive recommendations for organisational stroke management. A formal literature search of MEDLINE (1 January 1997 through 30 September 2019) was performed. Data were synthesised with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The Chinese Stroke Association's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the organisational management of patients presenting with stroke. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into prehospital first aid system of stroke, rapid diagnosis and treatment of emergency in stroke centre, organisational management of stroke unit and stroke clinic, construction of regional collaborative network among stroke centres and evaluation and continuous improvement of stroke medical quality. The guidelines offer an organisational stroke management model for patients with stroke which might help dramatically.

Código Sepsis Interhospitalario en Catalunya: modelo organizativo territorial para la atención inicial al paciente con sepsis / Interhospital Sepsis Code in Catalonia (Spain): Territorial model for initial care of patients with sepsis

La sepsis es una entidad sindrómica de elevada prevalencia y mortalidad. Su manejo está estandarizado y tiene una eficacia dependiente del tiempo. Sin embargo, el manejo de los pacientes con sepsis es complejo. La heterogeneidad de las formas de presentación puede dificultar su detección y manejo, así como las diferencias en formación, competencias o disponibilidad de recursos sanitarios. La Comisión Asesora para la Atención al PAciente con Sepsis (CAAPAS), formada por 7 sociedades científicas, el Sistema de Emergencias Médicas (SEM) y el Servei Català de la Salut (CatSalut), han desarrollado en Catalunya el Código Sepsis Interhospitalario (CSI). El objetivo general del CSI es facilitar la detección precoz, la atención inicial y la coordinación interhospitalaria para optimizar el tratamiento de los pacientes con sepsis o shock séptico en formato código de riesgo vital, de forma homogénea a lo largo de todo el territorio catalán

Sepsis is a syndromic entity with high prevalence and mortality. The management of sepsis is standardized and exhibits time-dependent efficiency. However, the management of patients with sepsis is complex. The heterogeneity of the forms of presentation can make it difficult to detect and manage such cases, in the same way as differences in training, professional competences or the availability of health resources. The Advisory Commission for Patient Care with Sepsis (CAAPAS), comprising 7 scientific societies, the Emergency Medical System (SEM) and the Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), have developed the Interhospital Sepsis Code (CSI) in Catalonia (Spain). The general objective of the CSI is to increase awareness, promote early detection and facilitate initial care and interhospital coordination to attend septic patients in a homogeneous manner throughout Catalonia

Más que internistas / More than just internists

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Validation of an evaluation instrument for responders in tactical casualty care simulations / Validação de um instrumento de avaliação para a prática de cuidados de saúde estratégicos / Validación de un instrumento de evaluación para la práctica de la atención sanitaria táctica

Objective: to construct and validate a tool for the evaluation of responders in tactical casualty care simulations. Method: three rubrics for the application of a tourniquet, an emergency bandage and haemostatic agents recommended by the Hartford Consensus were developed and validated. Validity and reliability were studied. Validation was performed by 4 experts in the field and 36 nursing participants who were selected through convenience sampling. Three rubrics with 8 items were evaluated (except for the application of an emergency bandage, for which 7 items were evaluated). Each simulation was evaluated by 3 experts. Results: an excellent score was obtained for the correlation index for the 3 simulations and 2 levels that were evaluated (competent and expert). The mean score for the application of a tourniquet was 0.897, the mean score for the application of an emergency bandage was 0.982, and the mean score for the application of topical haemostats was 0.805. Conclusion: this instrument for the evaluation of nurses in tactical casualty care simulations is considered useful, valid and reliable for training in a prehospital setting for both professionals who lack experience in tactical casualty care and those who are considered to be experts.

Objetivo: construir e validar um instrumento de avaliação da prática, por meio da simulação, nos cuidados de saúde estratégicos. Método: três instrumentos para práticas de avaliação de aplicação do torniquete, bandagem de emergência e agente hemostático recomendados pelo Consenso de Hartford foram desenvolvidos e validados. A validade e a confiabilidade foram estudadas. A validação foi realizada por quatro especialistas da área e trinta e seis enfermeiros participantes selecionados por amostragem por conveniência. Três instrumentos de avaliação com 8 itens foram avaliados (com exceção da bandagem de emergência, que tinha 7 itens para avaliar). Cada prática foi avaliada por três especialistas. Resultados: uma pontuação excelente foi obtida no cálculo do índice de correlação para as três práticas e nos dois níveis avaliados (competente e especialista). A pontuação média para a aplicação do torniquete foi de 0,897, para o curativo de emergência foi de 0,982 e para a aplicação de agentes hemostáticos tópicos foi de 0,805. Conclusão: este instrumento de avaliação da prática por meio de simulação nos cuidados de saúde estratégicos é considerado útil, válido e confiável para o treinamento no contexto pré-hospitalar tanto dos profissionais que não possuem experiência nos cuidados estratégicos quanto nos considerados peritos.

Objetivo: construir y validar un instrumento de evaluación de la práctica, mediante simulación, en la atención sanitaria táctica. Método: se construyeron y validaron tres rúbricas de las prácticas de aplicación del torniquete, vendaje de emergencia y agente hemostático recomendadas por el Consenso Hartford. Se estudió la validez y fiabilidad. La validación se realizó por cuatro expertos en la materia y treinta y seis participantes enfermeros que fueron la muestra de conveniencia. Se evaluaron tres rúbricas con 8 ítems (excepto para el vendaje de emergencia que fueron 7 ítems a evaluar). Cada práctica fue evaluada por tres expertos. Resultados: se ha obtenido una excelente puntuación en el cálculo del índice de correlación para las tres prácticas y en los dos niveles evaluados (competente y experto). La puntuación media para la rúbrica de aplicación del torniquete fue de 0.897, la del vendaje de emergencia 0.982 y para la aplicación de hemostáticos tópicos 0.805. Conclusión: este instrumento de evaluación de la práctica mediante simulación en la atención sanitaria se considera útil, válido y fiable para la formación en el entorno prehospitalario tanto de profesionales que carecen de experiencia en atención táctica como de aquellos considerados como expertos.

Presencia de familiares durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar: perspectivas de pacientes, familiares y profesionales de la salud en el País Vasco / Presence of relatives during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Perspectives of health professionals, patients and family in the Basque Country

Objetivo: Explorar la percepción acerca de la presencia de familiares durante la reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) en pacientes adultos, de los propios pacientes y familiares, enfermeras y médicos. Diseño: Se desarrolló un estudio cualitativo exploratorio y un análisis temático. Emplazamiento: Atención Primaria, Atención Hospitalaria y Servicio de Emergencias del Servicio Vasco de Salud. Participantes: La selección de los participantes se realizó a través de muestreo intencional. Se desarrollaron 4 grupos de discusión: uno de pacientes y familiares, 2 de enfermeras y uno de médicos. Método: Se realizó un análisis temático. Se utilizaron técnicas de triangulación entre investigadores e investigador-informante. Se utilizó el programa informático Open Code 4.1. Resultados: Se identificaron 3 categorías significativas: impacto de la actuación en la familia; peso de la responsabilidad ética y legal; poder, lugar donde sucede la parada y supuestos culturales. Conclusiones: La RCP es un constructo social influido por los valores de los contextos socioculturales específicos. En este estudio, los pacientes y familiares describieron temor y resistencia a presenciar la RCP. Por su parte, los profesionales sanitarios consideran que su decisión reviste complejidad, siendo necesario valorar cada caso de forma independiente e integrando a pacientes y familiares en la toma de decisiones. Como líneas de investigación futuras sería recomendable profundizar sobre la experiencia subjetiva de familiares que hayan presenciado la RCP y el impacto de los elementos contextuales y socioculturales en sus percepciones

Objective: To determine the perception of nurses, doctors, patients and family or relatives being present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adult patients. Design: A qualitative exploratory study and thematic analysis were developed. Site: Primary Care, Hospital Care and Emergency Service of the Basque Health Service. Participants.The selection of the participants was made through intentional sampling. Four focus groups were developed: one of patients and family, 2 of nurses, and one of physicians. Method: Thematic analysis was performed. Triangulation techniques were used between investigators and investigator-participant member. The Open code 4.1 statistics software was used. Results: Three significant categories were identified: the impact on the family; the weight of ethical and legal responsibility; power, place of death, and cultural assumptions. Conclusions: CPR is a social construct influenced by values which are situated in specific socio-cultural contexts. In this study, patients and family members describe the fear and resistance to being present during CPR. Health professionals consider that their decision is complex, and each case must be assessed independently, and patients and relatives must be integrated into decision-making. Future research should explore in greater depth the subjective experience of relatives who have witnessed CPR and the impact of contextual and sociocultural elements from the perspectives of relatives

Satisfacción con la atención en urgencias pediátricas: influencia del funcionamiento familiar y la alteración emocional / Satisfaction with care received in pediatric emergency services: impact of family interaction and emotional disturbance

Resumen Este estudio aborda la relación entre dos elementos clave en la satisfacción con los servicios sanitarios de urgencias pediátricas: la afectación emocional y el funcionamiento familiar. El objetivo general es determinar si la cohesión, la adaptabilidad familiar y la ira pueden asociarse a niveles diferenciales de satisfacción en progenitores cuyos hijos eran atendidos en urgencias pediátricas. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal para el que se trabajó con una muestra de 711 progenitores que habían sido atendidos en 6 servicios de urgencias pediátricas. Se utilizaron respectivamente las versiones españolas del Inventado de Expresión de Ira Estado-Rasgo-2 (STAXI-2), la Escala de Satisfacción con los Servicios Sanitarios y la Escala de Evaluación de la Cohesión y Adaptabilidad Familiar (Faces). El análisis de datos incluyó un análisis de correlaciones bivariadas de Spearman, pruebas de Kruskal Wallis, pruebas de Mann-Whitney y un path-analysis mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados soportan la idea de que mayores niveles de cohesión y adaptabilidad familiar así como menores niveles de ira, se asocian a mayores niveles de satisfacción en los padres. Nuestros datos no reflejan diferencias significativas en ira entre padres y madres.

Abstract This study addresses the relationship between two key elements in satisfaction with pediatric emergency services, namely emotional disturbance and family interaction. The main goal is to determine whether family cohesion and adaptability and anger may be associated with differential levels of satisfaction among parents whose children were attended in pediatric emergency units. It is a descriptive study for which a sample of 711 parents whose children were attended in 6 pediatric emergency services was studied. The Spanish version of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (Staxi-2), the Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Scale and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (Faces) were used respectively. Data analysis included a Spearman bivariate correlations analysis, Kruskal Wallis, Mann-Whitney test and path-analysis using a structural equations model. The results support the hypothesis that higher levels of family cohesion and adaptability as well as lower levels of anger are associated with higher levels of satisfaction among parents.

Adherence to anaphylaxis guidelines: real-world data from the emergency department of a tertiary hospital

Background: Few studies have evaluated adherence to anaphylaxis guidelines in emergency departments (EDs). Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to anaphylaxis guidelines in the ED of a tertiary hospital. Methods: Medical records of patients attended in the ED of University Hospital of Salamanca, Spain were reviewed. Those patients fulfilling the anaphylaxis criteria proposed by the NIAID/FAAN were selected. Results: During a 1-year period, we identified 89 patients (74 adults and 15 children). The anaphylactic reaction was moderate in 65% of adults, severe in 34%, and very severe in 1%. In children, all reactions were moderate. Fewer than half of the patients (42%) received adrenaline in the ED; this was administered intramuscularly in only 19% of cases. As for the severity of the reaction, 65% of patients with moderate reactions and 42% with severe reactions were not treated with adrenaline. At discharge from the ED, an adrenaline auto-injector was recommended to only 5.6% of patients. Fifty-two percent of patients received a documented allergy referral (57% adults vs 27% children, P=.047), 29% instructions about avoidance of triggers (31% adults vs 20% children, NS), and 51% written instructions for recognition of anaphylaxis warning signs (41% adults vs 100% children, P<.001). Conclusion: The results of the study show a large discrepancy between recommendations in guidelines and management of anaphylaxis in the ED. Additional training efforts are needed to improve the treatment of patients with anaphylactic reactions

Antecedentes: Pocos estudios han evaluado el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas de anafilaxia en los servicios de urgencias. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer el cumplimiento de las guías de anafilaxia en el servicio de urgencias (SU) de un hospital terciario. Métodos: Se revisaron los informes de los pacientes atendidos en el SU del Hospital Universitario de Salamanca durante un año y se seleccionaron los que cumplían los criterios de anafilaxia propuestos por el NIAID/FAAN. Resultados: Se identificaron 89 pacientes, 74 adultos y 15 niños. El 65% de los adultos presentó una reacción moderada, el 34% grave y el 1% muy grave; en todos los niños la gravedad fue moderada. Menos de la mitad de los pacientes (42%) fueron tratados con adrenalina, solo el 19% por vía intramuscular. El 65% de las reacciones moderadas y el 42% de las graves no recibieron adrenalina. Al alta, se recomendó un auto-inyector de adrenalina al 5,6% de los pacientes, se remitió al Servicio de Alergia al 52% (57% adultos frente a 27% niños, p=0,047), se dieron indicaciones para evitar posibles desencadenantes al 29% (31% adultos frente a 20% niños, p=.5) e instrucciones para reconocer los signos de alarma de una reacción anafiláctica al 51% (41% adultos frente a 100% niños, P<0,001). Conclusión: Los resultados del estudio muestran importantes discrepancias entre las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas y el manejo de la anafilaxia en un SU hospitalario. Es necesario un mayor esfuerzo en educación para mejorar el tratamiento de los pacientes con anafilaxia

La importancia del triaje en los servicios de urgencias / Importance of triage in hospital emergency departments

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Respuesta del autor: La importancia del triaje en los servicios de urgencias / Author’s reply: Importance of triage in hospital emergency departments

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¿La implantación del código infarto implica cambios en el tratamiento y el pronóstico de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST? / Does implementation of the infarction code lead to changes in the treatment and prognosis of patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome?

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¿La implantación del código infarto implica cambios en el tratamiento y el pronóstico de los pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del ST? Respuesta / Does implementation of the infarction code lead to changes in the treatment and prognosis of patients with non-st elevation acute coronary syndrome? Response

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Acerca de las oportunidades de mejora en el manejo de la sepsis grave y el shock séptico en urgencias / Management of severe sepsis and septic shock in a tertiary care urban hospital emergency department: opportunities for improvement

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Respuesta de la autora: Acerca de las oportunidades de mejora en el manejo de la sepsis grave y el shock séptico en urgencias / Author’s response: Management of severe sepsis and septic shock in a tertiary care urban hospital emergency department: opportunities for improvement

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Estudio sobre la reducción de eventos adversos en pacientes y problemas de bioseguridad de los profesionales derivados de la aplicación de catéteres vasculares en urgencias / Peripheral venous catheter use in the emergency department: reducing adverse events in patients and biosafety problems for staff

Objetivo: Reducir la tasa de eventos adversos (EA) derivados de catéteres vasculares periféricos (CVP) en pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias (SU), así como accidentes de bioseguridad en profesionales, mediante una estrategia que combine formación, protocolización de la indicación y catéteres de bioseguridad. Método: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, observacional no postautorización en pacientes atendidos en el SU que precisen de CVP. El estudio tiene dos fases: en la primera se procede a formación, protocolización y monitorización mediante ua lista de comprobación, utilizando CVP convencionales. En la segunda fase se introducen CVP de bioseguridad. Se comparan ambas fases y sus resultados en la reducción de EA y bioseguridad. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 520 pacientes: 180 en fase I y 340 en fase II. Se evidencian deficiencias en la técnica relacionadas con la desinfección, mantenimiento del campo estéril y manejo de equipo y apósitos; algunos mejoran significativamente con la progresión del estudio en fase II. Se observaron 86 EA, 34 en Fase I (18,8%) y 52 en fase II (15,4%) (p = ns). Destaca una reducción del 50% de flebitis en fase II. Sobre bioseguridad se detectaron 8 casos (7 salpicaduras, 1 pinchazo accidental) con CVP convencionales (fase I) y 2 salpicaduras con CVP de bioseguridad (fase II), equivalente a una reducción del 36% de accidentes (p = 0,04), especialmente con catéteres de corta duración (p = 0,02). Conclusiones: La combinación de formación, protocolización de la indicación y empleo de CVP de bioseguridad se muestra como una intervención más efectiva para mejorar la seguridad del paciente y del profesional (AU)

Objectives: To test a strategy to reduce the rate of adverse events in patients and safety problems for emergency department staff who insert peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). The strategy consisted of training, implementing a protocol, and introducing safety-engineered PVCs. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, observational, preauthorization study in patients requiring PVC placement in an emergency department. The study had 2 phases. The first consisted of training, implementing a protocol for using conventional PVCs, and monitoring practice. The second phase introduced safety-engineered PVC sets. The number of adverse events in patients and threats to safety for staff were compared between the 2 phases. Results: A total of 520 patients were included, 180 in the first phase and 340 in the second. We detected breaches in aseptic technique, failure to maintain a sterile field, and improper management of safety equipment and devices. Some practices improved significantly during the second phase. Eighty-six adverse events occurred in the first phase and 52 (15.4%) in the second; the between-phase difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of postinfusion phlebitis was 50% lower in the second phase. Seven splash injuries and 1 accidental puncture occurred with conventional PVCs in the first phase; 2 splash injuries occurred with the safety-engineered PVCs in the second phase (36% decrease, P = .04). Differences were particularly noticeable for short-term PVC placements (P = .02). Conclusion: Combining training, a protocol, and the use of safety-engineered PVC sets offers an effective strategy for improving patient and staff safety (AU)

Guideline: updates on paediatric emergency triage, assessment and treatment: care of critically-ill children

Children admitted to hospital often die within 24 hours of admission. Many of these deaths could be prevented if very sick children are identified soon after their arrival in the health facility, and treatment is started immediately. This can be facilitated by rapid triage for all children presenting to hospital to identify those needing immediate emergency care. The Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) guidelines provide guidance on the most common emergency conditions in children presenting at the health facility. These include but are not limited to airway obstruction and other breathing problems; circulatory impairment or shock; severely altered CNS function (coma or convulsive seizures); and severe dehydration which require urgent appropriate care to prevent death. The recommendations in this publication complement or update guidance in published WHO ETAT training materials published in 2005 and the 2nd edition Pocket book for hospital care for children published in 2013. This guideline however, does not cover all WHO recommendations on paediatric ETAT. It covers only those identified and prioritized by the WHO guideline development group for update in 2013. Other ETAT recommendations not covered in the current publication will be addressed in future ETAT guideline updates. This updated guideline was prepared by a panel of international experts and informed by systematic reviews of evidence as up to 2015 and makes recommendations on three main areas: when to start and stop oxygen therapy; oxygen flow rates and humidification in severely ill children with emergency signs; which intravenous fluids, at what rate and for how long, should be used in the management of infants and children presenting with impaired circulation or shock; and anticonvulsant medicines for children with acute seizures when intravenous (IV) access is and is not available; second-line anticonvulsant medicines for children with established status epilepticus; pharmacological interventions as prophylaxis to prevent recurrence of febrile seizures in children; and diagnostic tests that should be performed on infants and children presenting with seizures with altered consciousness. This guideline is intended for use in low-resource settings where infants and children are likely to be managed by non-specialists. Their aim is to provide clinical guidance to these health workers on managing infants and children presenting with signs of severe illness.

Presència dels pares durant els procediments invasius als serveis d'urgències pediàtriques. Què passa a l'Estat espanyol? / Presencia de los padres durante los procedimientos invasivos en los servicios de urgencias pediátricas. ¿Qué sucede en España? / No disponible

Fonament: la participació dels pares als serveis d'urgències pediàtriques (SUP) és important davant la realització de procediments invasius (PI). Objectiu: 1) Conèixer la freqüència de la presència dels pares davant els diferents PI als SUP de l'Estat espanyol. 2) Saber els motius pels quals es restringeix la seva presència. 3) Conèixer el grau d'acord del personal sanitari. Mètode: estudi descriptiu multicèntric, basat en enquestes dirigides als responsables dels diferents SUP d'Espanya. Resultats: En tots els hospitals els pares poden presenciar algun PI, com ara: sutura de ferides (23/32), punció lumbar (17/32) o maniobres de reanimació cardiopulmonar (RCP) (3/32); sense trobar diferències significatives segons les característiques dels hospitals. Entre els motius per restringir la presència dels pares destaquen la seva manca de preparació (17/31), un pitjor rendiment del personal sanitari (12/31) o l'ansietat dels pares (11/31). Ocasionalment (0-25%) se n'han derivat problemes, com el mareig (20/32) o la necessitat d'interrompre el procediment (13/32). El personal sanitari està d'acord amb la presència durant els procediments poc invasius (19/32), i poc o gens d'acord en els moderadament invasius (20/32) i en els molt invasius (30/32). Vint-i-set responsables creuen que és necessari fer programes de formació, grups de treball i protocols. Conclusions: tot i l'habitual presència dels pares durant els PI als nostres SUP, l'existència de motius que en restringeixen la presència i el baix grau d'acord del personal sanitari en algunes tècniques fan necessari el desenvolupament de programes formatius sobre els beneficis d'aquesta presència

Fundamentos. La participación de los padres en los servicios de urgencias pediátricas (SUP) es importante durante la realización de procedimientos invasivos (PI). Objetivo. 1) Conocer la frecuencia de la presencia de los padres durante los diferentes PI en los SUP españoles. 2) Conocer los motivos por los que se restringe su presencia. 3) Conocer el grado de acuerdo del personal sanitario. Método. Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico, basado en encuestas dirigidas a los responsables de diferentes SUP de España. Resultados. En todos los hospitales los padres pueden presenciar algún PI, como la sutura de heridas (23/32), la punción lumbar (17/32) o maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar (3/32), sin encontrarse diferencias significativas según las características de los hospitales. Entre los motivos para restringir su presencia destacan: la falta de preparación de los padres (17/31), un peor rendimiento del personal sanitario (12/31) o la ansiedad de los padres (11/31). Ocasionalmente (0-25%) se han derivado problemas, como el mareo (20/32) o la necesidad de interrupción del procedimiento (13/32). El personal sanitario está de acuerdo durante los procedimientos poco invasivos (19/32), y poco o nada de acuerdo en los moderadamente (20/32) y muy invasivos (30/32). Veintisiete responsables creen que es necesario realizar programas de formación, grupos de trabajo y protocolos. Conclusiones. A pesar de la habitual presencia de los padres durante los PI, la existencia de motivos que restringen su presencia y el bajo grado de acuerdo del personal sanitario en algunas técnicas hacen necesario el desarrollo de programas formativos sobre los beneficios de esta presencia (AU)

Background: the importance of parental involvement during invasive procedures (IP) in Pediatric Emergency Departments (PED) has been documented Objective: 1) To determine the frequency of parental presence during different IP in Spanish PED; 2) To assess the reasons for restricting their presence; and 3) To evaluate the agreement among healthcare professionals. Method: descriptive multicenter study based on questionnaires distributed among the chiefs of 32 Spanish PED. Results: family presence is allowed during some IP, including wound suture (23/32), lumbar puncture (17/32), or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (3/32), with no significant differences among hospitals. The main reasons for restricting parental presence are the perception of parents not being prepared to witness the procedure (17/31), the concern that their presence would adversely affect the performance by the healthcare provider (12/31), or parental anxiety (11/31). Occasionally, problems derived from the parental presence have been reported, such as dizziness (20/32) or the need to interrupt the procedure (13/32). Healthcare professionals agree with the presence of parents during some invasive procedures (19/23), but not during the most invasive ones (30/32). Twenty-seven PED chiefs stated the need to develop educational programs, working groups, and dedicated protocols to regulate the presence of parents during IP. Conclusions: despite the usual presence of parents during IP in the PED, the existence of reasons for restriction, as well as the lack of consistent agreement among healthcare professionals on the types of IP where parental presence should be permitted, highlights the need to develop educational initiatives about the benefits of paren-tal presence

Reduced frequency of cardiopulmonary arrests by rapid response teams / Redução de paradas cardiorrespiratórias por times de resposta rápida

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the implementation of a rapid response team on the rate of cardiorespiratory arrests in mortality associated with cardiorespiratory arrests and on in-hospital mortality in a high complexity general hospital. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of cardiorespiratory arrests and in-hospital mortality events before and after implementation of a rapid response team. The period analyzed covered 19 months before intervention by the team (August 2005 to February 2007) and 19 months after the intervention (March 2007 to September 2008). RESULTS: During the pre-intervention period, 3.54 events of cardiorespiratory arrest/1,000 discharges and 16.27 deaths/1,000 discharges were noted. After the intervention, there was a reduction in the number of cardiorespiratory arrests and in the rate of in-hospital mortality; respectively, 1.69 events of cardiorespiratory arrest/1,000 discharges (p<0.001) and 14.34 deaths/1,000 discharges (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: The implementation of the rapid response team may have caused a significant reduction in the number of cardiorespiratory arrests. It was estimated that during the period from March 2007 to September 2008, the intervention probably saved 67 lives.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto da implementação de um time de resposta rápida na incidência de paradas cardiorrespiratórias, na mortalidade associada à parada cardiorrespiratória e na mortalidade hospitalar em um hospital geral, de alta complexidade. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos eventos de paradas cardiorrespiratórias e mortalidade hospitalar, antes e depois da implementação de um time de resposta rápida. O período analisado compreendeu 19 meses antes da intervenção desse time (agosto de 2005 a fevereiro de 2007) e 19 meses após sua intervenção (março 2007 a setembro 2008). RESULTADOS: No período pré-intervenção, observaram-se 3,54 eventos de parada cardiorrespiratória/1.000 altas e 16,27 mortes/1.000 altas. Após a intervenção, observou-se redução no número de paradas cardiorrespiratórias e na taxa de mortalidade hospitalar: respectivamente 1,69 eventos de parada cardiorrespiratória/1.000 altas (p<0,001) e 14,34 mortes/1.000 altas (p=0,029). CONCLUSÃO: A implementação do time de resposta rápida, pode ter trazido uma redução significativa no número de paradas cardiorrespiratórias. Estimou-se que, no período de março de 2007 a setembro de 2008, a intervenção provavelmente salvou 67 vidas.

Protocolo de cuidados de enfermagem no ambiente aeroespacial a pacientes traumatizados: cuidados antes do voo / Protocol of nursing care to traumatized patients in the aerospace environment: care before flight / Protocolo de cuidados de enfermería en el ambiente aeroespacial a pacientes traumatizados: cuidados antes del vuelo

Teve-se como objetivo apresentar um protocolo de cuidados de enfermagem na pré-remoção aeroespacial de pacientes adultos vítimas de trauma. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, convergente assistencial, realizada na Divisão de Operações Aéreas, em São José-SC, entre abril a junho de 2010. Baseou-se nos princípios do Prehospital Trauma Life Support. Utilizou-se de entrevista individual e de encontros em grupo. Participaram os oito enfermeiros do serviço. O protocolo contempla os cuidados relativos à segurança no embarque; desembarque; avaliação da cena; avaliação primária; avaliação secundária e estabilização do paciente. O protocolo propiciará uma prática de cuidado mais segura aos pacientes aerorremovidos.

The study aimed to present a protocol for nursing care in pre aerospace removing of adult victims of trauma. A qualitative convergent care research was performed at the Division of Air Operations in the municipality of San Jose-SC, Brazil, from April to June 2010. The study was based on the principles of the Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support. Individual interviews and group meetings were used. Eight nurses participated in the service. The proposed protocol includes safety boarding, disembarking, assessment of the scene, primary assessment, secondary assessment and stabilization of the patient. The protocol will provide a safer nursing practice care to patients aero removed.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo presentar un protocolo para la atención de enfermería en la remoción pre aeroespacial de las víctimas adultas de trauma. Se trata de una investigación cualitativa, convergente asistencial, levada a cabo en la División de Operaciones Aéreas, en San José-SC, de abril a junio de 2010. La investigación levó en cuenta los principios del Prehospital Trauma Life Support. Para su elaboración, realizó-se entrevistas individuales y reuniones de grupo. Ocho enfermeras participaron en el estudio. El propuesto protocolo cubre los cuidados relativos a la seguranza durante el embarque y el desembarque; a la evaluación de la escena; a la evaluación primaria; a la evaluación secundaria y la estabilización del paciente. El protocolo servirá a una atención de enfermería más segura para los pacientes aerotransportados.