Effectiveness of interventions for the prevention or management of workplace violence in student nurses during clinical placement: A systematic review.

AIM: To systematically investigate the effectiveness of interventions for managing workplace violence experienced by registered nursing students during clinical placement. DESIGN: A systematic review of experimental studies. METHODS: The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The key search concepts such as "Nursing students", "Education", "workplace violence", "clinical placement" and "clinical study" were inspected to identify relevant articles (Appendix A). Two independent reviewers completed screening, critical appraisal and data extraction. Due to heterogeneity among the included studies, results were synthesized narratively. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate Analytics), Scopus (Elsevier), Embase (Ovid), Cochrane CENTRAL, ERIC (ProQuest), ProQuest Central and ProQuest Social Science Premium Collection were searched from inception to 27th February 2023. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included in this review. The predominant intervention for managing workplace violence experienced by registered nursing students during clinical placements was education. Approaches varied among studies and included didactic teaching, e-learning, role-playing and simulation practice. The included studies showed uncertain improvements in registered nursing students' confidence, coping skills, knowledge, competence and self-efficacy in dealing with workplace violence during clinical placements. Only one study assessed the incidence rate of workplace violence and found that a multi-faceted intervention involving both staff and students decreased the incidence. CONCLUSION: Given the heterogeneity of educational interventions, the effect of interventions for managing workplace violence during students' clinical placement is uncertain. To address this gap, high-quality, proactive and combined interventions at both institutional and organizational levels are needed.

Introducing a Digital Occupational Violence Risk Assessment Tool Into an Emergency Department: A Pilot Implementation Study.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational violence in emergency departments is prevalent and detrimental to staff and health services. There is an urgent call for solutions; accordingly, this study describes the implementation and early impacts of the digital Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool (kwov-pro). METHODS: Since December 7, 2021, emergency nurses have been using the Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool to assess 3 occupational violence risk factors in patients: aggression history, behaviors, and clinical presentation. Violence risk then is categorized as low (0 risk factors), moderate (1 risk factor), or high (2-3 risk factors). An important feature of this digital innovation is the alert and flagging system for high-risk patients. Underpinned by the Implementation Strategies for Evidence-Based Practice Guide, from November 2021 to March 2022 we progressively mobilized a range of strategies, including e-learning, implementation drivers, and regular communications. Early impacts measured were the percentage of nurses who completed their e-learning, the proportion of patients assessed using the Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool, and the number of reported violent incidents in the emergency department. RESULTS: Overall, 149 of 195 (76%) of emergency nurses completed their e-learning. Further, adherence to Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool was good, with 65% of patients assessed for risk of violence at least once. Since implementing the Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool, there has been a progressive decrease in violent incidents reported in the emergency department. DISCUSSION: Using a combination of strategies, the Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool was successfully implemented in the emergency department with the indication that it could reduce the number of incidents of occupational violence. The work herein provides a foundation for future translation and robust evaluation of the Queensland Occupational Violence Patient Risk Assessment Tool in emergency departments.

Validity and reliability of the novel three-item occupational violence patient risk assessment tool.

AIM: To develop and psychometrically test an occupational violence (OV) risk assessment tool in the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: Three studies were conducted in phases: content validity, predictive validity and inter-rater reliability from June 2019 to March 2021. METHODS: For content validity, ED end users (mainly nurses) were recruited to rate items that would appropriately assess for OV risk. Subsequently, a risk assessment tool was developed and tested for its predictive validity and inter-rater reliability. For predictive validity, triage notes of ED presentations in a month with the highest OV were assessed for presence of OV risk. Each presentation was then matched with events recorded in the OV incident register. Sensitivity and specificity values were calculated. For inter-rater reliability, two assessors-trained and untrained-independently assessed the triage notes for presence of OV risk. Cohen's kappa was calculated. RESULTS: Two rounds of content validity with a total of N = 81 end users led to the development of a three-domain tool that assesses for OV risk using aggression history, behavioural concerns (i.e., angry, clenched fist, demanding, threatening language or resisting care) and clinical presentation concerns (i.e., alcohol/drug intoxication and erratic cognition). Recommended risk ratings are low (score = 0 risk domain present), moderate (score = 1 risk domain present) and high (score = 2-3 risk domains present), with an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.7-0.81, p < .01). Moderate risk rating had a 61% sensitivity and 91% specificity, whereas high risk rating had 37% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Inter-rater reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.75 (p < .01), suggesting moderate agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The novel three-domain OV risk assessment tool was shown to be appropriate and relevant for application in EDs. The tool, developed through a rigorous content validity process, demonstrates acceptable predictive validity and inter-rater reliability. IMPACT: The developed tool is currently piloted in a single hospital ED, with a view to extend to inpatient settings and other hospitals.

What can we do about occupational violence in emergency departments? A survey of emergency staff.

AIMS: To explore and collate solutions for occupational violence from emergency department (ED) staff. BACKGROUND: Despite publications highlighting the progressively worsening issue of occupational violence in EDs and its detrimental impacts, few strategies aimed to reduce or manage it have been discussed in the literature. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving ED staff. Participants completed an electronic survey that prompted interventions for occupational violence. Free-text data were analysed and logically categorized using validated techniques. RESULTS: Participants (N = 81) suggested 24 interventions: 12 were classified as prevention strategies, 10 as response strategies and two as recovery strategies. Prevention and response strategies for occupational violence targeted key participants: patients, staff and ED environment. Recovery strategies centred around staff management of the personal impacts of incidences of occupational violence and on systems in place to support them after occupational violence incidents. CONCLUSION: Solutions to occupational violence should be multifaceted encompassing prevention, response and recovery for patients, staff and the ED environment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: No single, universal intervention can be endorsed to reduce or mitigate the impacts of occupational violence in EDs. However, a combination of the interventions (strategies) discussed in this paper can be recommended.

Sensory Devices for Older Adults With Behavioral Disturbance in the Emergency Department: A Descriptive Study.

Nonpharmacological strategies are advocated for the management of behavioral disturbance in older adults due to risk of harm from pharmacological therapy; however, limited evidence supports their use in emergency departments (EDs). The current descriptive study was conducted to investigate the use of sensory devices for nonpharmacological management of behavioral disturbance and their perceived impact. Data were collected from the sensory device registry, electronic medical records, and survey. Patient-level data (N = 33) showed that sensory devices, such as tactile blankets or toys and music, can be used in EDs to alleviate behavioral disturbance among older adults. ED staff (n = 22) expressed an interest to increase device supply. A patient and caregiver (n = 2) suggested that the devices be initiated earlier in ED care. Further research is required to strengthen evidence on the impact of these devices on patient outcomes. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 47(4), 22-27.].

Effect of the 4-h target on 'time-to-ECG' in patients presenting with chest pain to an emergency department: a pilot retrospective observational study.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between compliance with time-based Emergency Department (ED) targets (known as NEAT) and the time taken to collect an electrocardiogram (TTE) in patients presenting with chest pain. Methods This was a pilot descriptive retrospective cohort study completed in a large inner city tertiary ED. Patients who presented with active or recent chest pain between July 2014 and June 2015 were eligible for inclusion. Pregnant patients, inter-hospital transfers, and traumatic chest pain were excluded. A random selection of 300 patients from the eligible cohort comprised the final sample. The differences of TTE between categories of NEAT compliance were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test. Also, the factors affecting with the acquisition of ECG within ten minutes of arrival were explored using proportional hazards regression. Results There was a significant inverse association between the percentage of admitted patients leaving the ED within four hours (admitted NEAT) and TTE. As admitted NEAT compliance increased TTE decreased (p=0.004). A number of variables including triage score, arrival time, total NEAT, first location, doctor wait time, and cardiac diagnosis were all significant predictors of TTE. After adjusting for other variables Admitted NEAT remained as an independent predictor of TTE. Conclusion There is likely to be a relationship between NEAT and TTE that is reflective of overall hospital and not just ED functioning; however the exact relationship remains uncertain. Further study in a multisite study is warranted to further explore the relationship between NEAT, TTE and other important clinical metrics of ED performance. What is known about the topic? The 4-h time target or National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) is implemented in Australia to ease crowding and access block. However, little is known of its effect on important clinical endpoints, particularly 'time-to-ECG' (TTE). What does this paper add? This paper demonstrates a complex relationship between measures of time-based targets, such as time to ECG. It is likely that increasing compliance with admitted NEAT shortens TTE, demonstrating the effect of hospital functioning on the ability to deliver quality care in the emergency department. What are the implications for practitioners? Emergency department flow has an effect on the ability of the department to deliver key assessment. There is a relationship between NEAT compliance and TTE, but the exact relationship requires further exploration in larger multicentre studies.

The use of a contextual, modal and psychological classification of medication errors in the emergency department: a retrospective descriptive study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the contextual, modal and psychological classification of medication errors in the emergency department to know the factors associated with the reported medication errors. BACKGROUND: The causes of medication errors are unique in every clinical setting; hence, error minimisation strategies are not always effective. For this reason, it is fundamental to understand the causes specific to the emergency department so that targeted strategies can be implemented. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of reported medication errors in the emergency department. METHODS: All voluntarily staff-reported medication-related incidents from 2010-2015 from the hospital's electronic incident management system were retrieved for analysis. Contextual classification involved the time, place and the type of medications involved. Modal classification pertained to the stage and issue (e.g. wrong medication, wrong patient). Psychological classification categorised the errors in planning (knowledge-based and rule-based errors) and skill (slips and lapses). RESULTS: There were 405 errors reported. Most errors occurred in the acute care area, short-stay unit and resuscitation area, during the busiest shifts (0800-1559, 1600-2259). Half of the errors involved high-alert medications. Many of the errors occurred during administration (62·7%), prescribing (28·6%) and commonly during both stages (18·5%). Wrong dose, wrong medication and omission were the issues that dominated. Knowledge-based errors characterised the errors that occurred in prescribing and administration. The highest proportion of slips (79·5%) and lapses (76·1%) occurred during medication administration. It is likely that some of the errors occurred due to the lack of adherence to safety protocols. CONCLUSION: Technology such as computerised prescribing, barcode medication administration and reminder systems could potentially decrease the medication errors in the emergency department. There was a possibility that some of the errors could be prevented if safety protocols were adhered to, which highlights the need to also address clinicians' attitudes towards safety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Technology can be implemented to help minimise errors in the ED, but this must be coupled with efforts to enhance the culture of safety.

Effect of the 4-h target on time-to-analgesia in an Australian emergency department: a pilot retrospective observational study.

Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between and the effect of the 4-h target or National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) on the time-to-analgesia (TTA), as well as the provision of analgesia in an adult emergency department (ED). Methods The present study was a pilot descriptive explorative retrospective cohort study conducted in a public metropolitan ED. Eligible presentations for analysis were adults presenting with a documented pain score of ≥4 out of 10 between 1 and 14 September 2014. Triage Category 1, pregnant, chest pain and major trauma cases were excluded from the study. As a result, data for 260 patients were analysed. Results Of 260 patients, 176 had analgesia with a median TTA of 49min. Increased NEAT compliance did not significantly decrease TTA. However, when the factors that affected the provision of analgesia were analysed, an association was demonstrated between Admitted and Short Stay NEAT performance and the provision of analgesia. The likelihood of receiving analgesia at all increased as Admitted and Short Stay NEAT compliance improved. Conclusion NEAT is a significant health policy initiative with little clinical evidence supporting its implementation. However, as the Admitted NEAT compliance increases, the probability of receiving analgesia increases, demonstrating a possible link between hospital function and clinical care provision that needs to be explored further. What is known about the topic? The 4-h target or NEAT is a widely used initiative in EDs to allay crowding and access block. However, little is known of its impact on clinical endpoints, such as TTA. What does this paper add? TTA was not significantly reduced as NEAT compliance increased. However, when the focus was on the probability of receiving analgesia, the results demonstrated that an improvement in Admitted and Short Stay NEAT compliance was associated with an increase in the likelihood of patients receiving analgesia. What are the implications for practitioners? NEAT is a relatively recent initiative, hence evidence of its effect on clinically orientated outcomes is limited. Nevertheless, evidence of safety and effectiveness is emerging. The results of the present pilot study provide preliminary data on the timeliness of patient-centred care as demonstrated by TTA and administration of analgesia when required. Further, the results would seem to suggest that the provision of analgesia is affected by how timely patients are moved out of the ED to the in-patient setting. As for future investigations on TTA as a result of NEAT, a wider time period should be considered so that the accurate effect of compliance thresholds (e.g. ≥90%, 81-89%, ≤80%) of NEAT can be explored.

Medication knowledge and willingness to nurse-initiate medications in an emergency department: a mixed-methods study.

AIMS: To assess the medication knowledge of emergency department nurses and determine the factors affecting their nurse-initiated medication practices. BACKGROUND: Nurse-initiated medications is a vital practice for all nurses in emergency departments which improves pain assessment, provides safe pain management and reduces time-to-analgesia and other meaningful treatments. DESIGN: Mixed methods. Between September 2014-January 2015, data were collected by questionnaire assessing medication knowledge and face-to-face interviews determining factors affecting practice. RESULTS: Nurse-initiated medications frequency of the Registered Nurses ranged from 0-36 times per week dependent on employed hours and emergency department area worked. Medication knowledge was consistent among nurses, but there was an overall deficit in nurses' knowledge of mechanism of action. Four major themes were identified from the 24 interviews: patient-centred care, caution and safety as principles of practice; continuing support and education; improvement of practice over time. All nurses regard the practice positively and to be extremely beneficial to patients. Although apprehensive at the start of their nurse-initiated medications practice, confidence improved with exposure and experience. Nurses sought additional information from colleagues and the available evidence-based resources. CONCLUSION: Medication knowledge is not the sole determinant of nurse-initiated medications practice. The practice is motivated by multiple factors such as patients' needs, safety and nurses' confidence.

Educational programs and interventions for health care staff to prevent and manage aggressive behaviors in acute hospitals: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to determine the effect of educational programs that have been implemented in acute health care settings to manage or prevent aggressive behaviors toward staff perpetrated by patients, families, or visitors. INTRODUCTION: Health care staff working within acute-level and tertiary-level hospitals are at high risk of exposure to aggressive behaviors by patients, their family, or visitors. Negative staff and organizational impacts reported in the literature include individual psychological or emotional distress and severe harm, increased absenteeism, high staff turnover, and awarded compensation. Reports of this kind of occupational violence are increasing globally; therefore, strategies to address prevention and management are needed to mitigate the risk of harm to staff and the wider hospital service. Various educational activities have been implemented to address the issue, but the overall effect of these is unclear. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Experimental and quasi-experimental studies were considered for inclusion if they reported on an educational program or intervention for staff working within an acute hospital setting and aimed at managing or preventing occupational violence perpetrated by patients, family, or visitors. Reports of programs implemented to address occupational violence, whether verbal or physical, were included. Studies were excluded if they reported on upward violence or bullying, patients in psychiatric or dementia facilities, or pediatric patients, due to the specific care needs of these cohorts. METHODS: The following databases were searched: PubMed (PubMed Central), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, ERIC (ProQuest), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library), and Scopus. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses was searched for unpublished studies. To obtain a wider perspective of the issue, studies published in Chinese were also searched in WanFang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chongqing VIP. A date filter of 2008-2023 was applied in a deliberate effort to expand from previous work. No language filters were applied. The review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness, and reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: The search process retrieved 4681 citations. A total of 32 studies representing 3246 health staff were included in the review. The studies were either before-and-after or pre-test/post-test study designs. Methodological quality of studies varied, with the main issues being absence of CIs within statistical analysis, limited detail on participant selection or attrition/non-response, and underreporting of confounding factors. Educational programs varied in content and duration. Content delivery across the studies also varied, with several didactic, role-play, debriefing, group work, and simulation exercises reported. While studies reported some improvement in self-reported confidence levels, results were mixed for other outcomes. Determining overall effect of included studies was challenging due to heterogeneity within and across studies with regard to intervention types, populations, measurement tools, and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This review is unable to determine which workplace educational programs had an effect on staff outcomes or on the number of occupational violence incidents. In the future, educators and researchers could use the findings of this review to guide the design of educational programs and employ measures that are comparable to their settings. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020190538. SUPPLEMENTAL DIGITAL CONTENT: A Chinese-language version of the abstract of this review is available [ http://links.lww.com/SRX/A33 ].

Interventions to prevent or manage workplace violence against student nurses during clinical placement: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to investigate the effectiveness of workplace violence management or prevention interventions, including strategies, protocols, and policies, to address violence against, and provide support to, registered nursing students (RNS) following incidents of violence during clinical placement. INTRODUCTION: Workplace violence is a global issue that affects victims' physical and mental health. RNS are especially vulnerable to workplace violence because of their limited work experience and confidence. These students often feel shocked and unprepared when experiencing workplace violence due to limited education and support provided by educational institutions or clinical sites. Workplace violence can lead to anxiety, decreased confidence, and professional attrition. There is a need to systematically synthesize the evidence on workplace violence management and prevention to support nursing students during clinical placement. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The review will consider studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions to address workplace violence or improve support for RNS. Studies that report on educational interventions or pre-clinical placement strategies and measure the preparedness of students will also be considered. Study designs will be limited to quantitative methods that evaluate intervention effectiveness. METHODS: Databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, Embase (Ovid), Cochrane Central, ERIC (ProQuest), ProQuest Central, ProQuest Social Science Premium Collection, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. Two independent reviewers will screen, review, appraise, and extract data from eligible articles. For data synthesis, studies will be pooled using JBI SUMARI. The GRADE approach for grading the certainty of evidence will be followed and a Summary of Findings will be created. REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022377318.

A descriptive study on the use of restrictive interventions for potentially or actually violent patients in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Restrictive interventions (chemical, physical, or mechanical restraints) to manage patients who are potentially or actually violent in the emergency department (ED) can be harmful and costly. Non-restrictive interventions are advocated; but this must be preceded with an understanding of patient characteristics that influence their use. A study was conducted to describe the use of restrictive interventions and ascribe it with patient characteristics in the ED. METHODS: Records from October 2020 to March 2021 in the occupational violence database were used to analyse patient characteristics and restrictive interventions. Logistic regression was used to establish influencing factors of restrictive interventions adjusting for clinically relevant confounders. RESULTS: Of the N = 1276 potentially or actually violent patients, 70 % received restrictive interventions. Chemical restraint was common, with 1 in 2 patients receiving either oral medication or intramuscular injection. Probability of restrictive interventions were higher in patients who were intoxicated [(adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.48, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.675-7.21)], had high triage score (aOR 2.084, 95 % CI 1.094-3.96), and were in the ED involuntarily (aOR 1.494, 95 % CI 1.105-2.020). CONCLUSION: The results reveal the need for multifaceted approaches that limit the presentations of, and minimise restrictive interventions among, potentially or actually violent patients.

Inter-rater reliability of the occupational violence risk assessment tool for emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: The three-item occupational violence (OV) risk assessment tool was developed and validated for use in emergency departments (EDs). It prompts review of each patient's aggression history, behaviours, and clinical presentation. However, confidence around representativeness and generalisability are needed before widescale adoption; hence we measured the inter-rater reliability of the tool among a large group of emergency nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between Sep 2021 and Jan 2022. Nurses were directed to a website that hosted an e-learning module about the tool. They were asked to apply the tool to two video scenarios of typical patient presentations. Demographic data, including years of emergency experience, were collected to contextualise their responses. Gwet's Agreement Coefficients (AC1) were calculated to determine inter-rater reliability. RESULTS: There were 135 participants: typically female, under the age of 40 years, with more than 3 years of emergency nursing experience. Overall, there was excellent inter-rater agreement (AC1 =0.752, p = 0.001). This was consistent when years of ED experience was stratified: 0-2 years, AC1 = 0.764, p = 0.002; 3-5 years, AC1 = 0.826, p = 0.001; 6-10 years, AC1 = 0.751, p < 0.001; 11-15 years, AC1 = 0.659, p = 0.004; ≥ 16 years, AC1 = 0.799, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The three-item OV risk assessment tool has excellent inter-rater reliability across a large sample of emergency nurses.

Effect of computed tomography scanner location on time-to-computed tomography in the emergency department: A before and after study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare time metrics associated with a temporary disruption to ED computed tomography (CT) scanner location from adjacent to the ED with direct access from resuscitation rooms, to a location remote to the ED. METHODS: A retrospective before and after study was conducted in a public metropolitan ED with over 66 000 presentations annually. Time-to-CT metrics, operational time metrics and ED length of stay were extracted and analysed from presentations between October 2020 and January 2021. RESULTS: There were 3031 CT scans during the study period. Overall, the disruption was associated with a significant 27-36 min delay (P < 0.01) in time-to-CT start; these delays were also observed in a subset of trauma patients. In a subset of presumed stroke patients, time-to-brain perfusion was significantly delayed by up to 10 min (P < 0.01). There was a 14% (P < 0.01) greater demand for operational services and a time imposition of up to 8 min (P < 0.01) to transport patients to or from CT scanning when the CT scanner was located away from the ED. ED length of stay was consistent at all time points. CONCLUSION: Although rapid, proximate access to CT scanning is often considered desirable in terms of the management of trauma and other time-critical emergencies, the wider time and resource implications demonstrated in this study suggest a potential broader benefit to co-located CT scanning in ED. Our experience could be considered in future re-design of EDs.

The effect of 20 minutes of cool running water first aid within three hours of thermal burn injury on patient outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity that can result in devastating disability and poor quality of life for survivors. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence regarding the effect of 20 minutes of cool running water (CRW) within three hours of injury on outcomes of patients with thermal burn injuries. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in reference to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL Complete via EBSCO, PROQUEST Dissertations and Theses), and the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry were searched for eligible studies published in English and Chinese, without date restriction. Meta-analyses were undertaken Methodological quality of studies was assessed by using Downs and Black Checklist. RESULTS: Of 323 records, seven studies were included. The majority (67%) of studies were conducted in Australia and New Zealand. The methodological quality was ranked between 'fair' and 'good'. Twenty minutes of CRW within the first three hours of burn injury significantly decreased the odds of patients requiring skin grafting and surgical intervention for wound management. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable evidence suggesting the application of 20 min of CRW within the first three hours of injury improves outcomes for patients with burn injury. Consensus between burn organisations and collaborative efforts to translate evidence into practice are needed to optimise burn first aid care which can improve patient outcomes globally.

Peripheral intravenous cannula insertion and use in a tertiary hospital emergency department: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral intravenous cannula is often a first line invasive intervention for patients in the emergency department. It is used to facilitate blood sampling, deliver essential fluids, blood products and medication. However, the insertion and use of the peripheral intravenous cannula is not without complication. This study surveyed the number of peripheral intravenous cannulas inserted in the emergency department and identify the level of and reason for use. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency department of a large tertiary hospital in Queensland. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to describe peripheral intravenous cannula use and to explore associations. RESULTS: Of the 224 patients assessed, 159 (71%) had at least one peripheral intravenous cannula inserted in emergency department. Of the 159 peripheral intravenous cannulas inserted, 54 (34%) remained unused while the patient was in the emergency department. For patients classified as Australasian Triage Scale categories 3, 4 and 5, 40% of peripheral intravenous cannulas remained unused. Overall, poor documentation was observed with 29% of peripheral intravenous cannulas insertions not documented at all. CONCLUSION: This study identified a high proportion of unused peripheral intravenous cannulass in the emergency department and inadequate documentation. An intervention to promote best practice, raise awareness of the risks of peripheral intravenous cannulas use, possible alternatives therapies, and improve documentation is required.

Engaging with nurses to develop an occupational violence risk assessment tool for use in emergency departments: A participatory action research inquiry.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of occupational violence (OV) risk factors could facilitate timely and appropriate management of patients in the emergency department. For this purpose, an OV risk assessment could be useful and best initiated at triage. AIMS: To understand the need for and determine potential utility and desirable components of an OV risk assessment tool; and to determine specific challenges to its implementation if appropriate. METHODS: A participatory action research was conducted. Data were collected through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was done inductively and collaboratively using Braun and Clarke's technique. FINDINGS: Six themes were identified from triage nurses (N = 15) pertaining to: i) OV risk assessment; ii) communication of OV risk; iii) clinical implications of risk assessment; iv) tool attributes; v) future implementation challenges; vi) unintended consequences. CONCLUSION: The development of an OV risk assessment tool is supported, but with very specific attributes. Findings herein also have implications on the implementation and evaluation of this tool in emergency settings.

Long term impact of ladder-related injuries as measured by the AQoL instrument.

INTRODUCTION: Ladder-related falls are a common cause of patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) with serious injury. The impacts of ladder-related injuries were assessed at six-months post-injury using the quality of life, AQoL 4D Basic (AQoL) instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study, conducted and reported according to the STROBE statement. All adult patients with ladder-related injuries who presented to two EDs in southeast Queensland, Australia between October 2015 and October 2016 were approached. Initial participant interviews took place at the time of ED presentation or shortly thereafter, with follow-up telephone interview at six-months. RESULTS: There were 177 enrolments, 43 (24%) were lost to follow up. There were statistically significant changes post-injury for three of the four AQoL dimensions: independence, social relationships and psychological wellbeing, as well as the global AQoL. Twenty-four (18%) participants reported a clinically significant deterioration in independence, 26 (20%) participants reported a clinically significant deterioration in their social relationships, and 34 participants (40%) reporting a clinically significant deterioration in their psychological wellbeing. Nine of the twelve individual items (in AQoL dimension) deteriorated after injury, there was no change in two items (vision and hearing) and an improvement reported in one (communication). The largest changes (> 25% of participants) were reported with sleeping, anxiety worry and depression, and pain. Across the global AQoL dimension, 65 (49%) participants reported a clinically significant deterioration. The severity of injury as measured by the ISS was an independent predictor of the change in AQoL scores (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Injuries related to falls from ladders continue to have a profound impact on patients at six-months post-injury as measured using the AQoL instrument. This adds to previous research which has demonstrated considerable morbidity and mortality at the time of injury. PREVENTION: Older males using ladders at home are at high risk for serious long-term injury. Injury prevention strategies and the safety instructions packaged with the ladder need to be targeted to this at-risk community group. There may also be a role for regulatory bodies to mandate a stabilising device to be included with the ladder at the time of purchase.

The effectiveness of pharmacist- led discharge medication counselling in the emergency department (ExPLAIN): A pilot quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led discharge medication counselling using a structured, multimodal educational strategy with teach-back (intervention) against standard care. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study in a public, metropolitan ED. Participants discharged home with new medications were allocated to receive the intervention or standard care using convenience sampling. Participant characteristics (i.e. age, sex, socio-economic status, medications) and health literacy were collected. The outcomes measured were satisfaction with information, ED re-presentation and length of stay. RESULTS: There were 51 participants: 14 received intervention, 37 had standard care. Overall, 12% had inadequate health literacy. Group characteristics and health literacy were similar. Participants who received the intervention were significantly reported higher satisfaction with information about their new medications compared to standard care (p = 0.009). Specifically, the intervention was associated with a 98% increase in satisfaction with information relating to side-effects. There were no differences in re-presentation and length of stay. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist-led discharge medication counselling incorporating a structured, multimodal educational strategy and teach-back was effective in improving patient satisfaction with medication information in the ED. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A similar intervention could be trialled in other EDs, but outcomes other beyond satisfaction should be considered.

Review article: Identifying occupational violence patient risk factors and risk assessment tools in the emergency department: A scoping review.

Occupational violence (OV) is a daily risk for ED staff. It contributes to staff stress, sick leave, turn-over and burn-out, and limits the capacity of staff to provide unimpeded quality care to patients and their families. Many factors contribute to incidents of OV; however, early detection of such risk factors could pre-empt incidences of OV during ED episodes of care. A five-stage methodological framework for scoping reviews was used to identify, summarise and synthesise OV risk factors from five key databases. A validated tool was used to appraise the quality of included studies. Independent evaluation by the reviewers was used throughout. Patient factors were extracted and described from 24 methodologically and geographically diverse papers. Methodological quality for these studies varied from moderate to high. A total of 34 OV risk factors were identified. Although there was variation in, and differences between, staff-perceived and objective (documented) OV risk factors, patient risk factors can be categorised into three main groups: clinical presentation, behaviours and past history. Five existing ED OV risk assessment tools were identified, with limited supporting evidence for each. The results support the development of a reliable and validated OV risk assessment tool to be initiated at triage.