What’s New in Emergency Pre-hospital Care Research?

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal, 2009, 26 (10), p. 747 – 478.

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: October 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Posters and summaries of papers delivered at What’s New in Emergency Pre-hospital Care Research? a 2008 conference organised by 999 EMS Research Forum in collaboration with University of Sheffield and The National Ambulance Research Steering Group. Papers cover current research in areas of paramedic practice.

Length of publication: 2 pages

Some important notes: Contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Improving communication in the emergency department

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal, 26 (9), 658-661

Follow this link to view the abstract

Year of publication: September 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: A previous study examined the communication process within the emergency department (ED) and identified a complex process with many opportunities for breakdown and error. In this paper the first two interventions in a series of studies to improve this highly vulnerable communication process are described.  Observational study and audit revealed the extent of process failures identified in the initial FMEA process. With the introduction of simple changes to the communication system, a marked improvement in the availability and quality of pertinent clinical information was achieved with considerable implications for the timeliness and quality of care provided to patient

Length of publication: 4 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

GP and A&E survey

Source: Primary Care Foundation

Follow this link to view full text

Year of publication: August 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: The Primary Care Foundation is carrying out a study of the use of primary care clinicians within or alongside Emergency Departments (A&E). The aim is to understand the range of different models and report on the various elements that need to be in place for such initiatives to operate safely and successfully. To achieve this they are asking all Emergency Departments, commissioners and the primary care provider organisations in England to complete a questionnaire.

Length of publication: 1 web page, with links to survey

Some important notes: Follow the links from the web page to view the Survey Instructions; Summary of Project; Best Practice; and Reference Group

What are the highest priorities for research in emergency prehospital care

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal, 26 (8), 549-550

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Date of publication: August 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell:  The Department of Health (UK) recommended in Taking healthcare to the patient: Transforming NHS ambulance services that it should commission a programme of work to build the evidence base for prehospital and out of hospital care. The 999 EMS Research Forum was commissioned to identify gaps in the evidence base and priority areas for research. This paper summarises the report, identifying the top 10 priority topics for research and and three broad areas for priority research.

Length of publication: 2 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

New stroke and major trauma centres to improve care for Londoners

Source: Healthcare for London

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Year of publication: July 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Following a consultation to improve stroke and trauma services, a committee of PCTs decided to introduce four major trauma centres, eight hyper-acute stroke units and better local services across London, with the new facilities expected to open by summer 2011.
The centres will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be staffed by consultant-led specialist teams with access to the best facilities. These centres will be linked to local units delivering high quality general and rehabilitation care. The new services are expected to save around 500 lives a year and reduce long-term disability for thousands.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Follow this link to view the news release

Greater Manchester Urgent Care Clinical Congress 2009

Source: Commissioning Business Service

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Year of Publication: July 2009

Publication type:  Website

In a nutshell: The Greater Manchester (GM) Urgent Care Clinical Congress took place on 10th July, 2009 and was designed to build a shared understanding of the case for change to optimise the delivery of urgent care services for local people.  The event, run by the Association of GM PCTs and the GM Urgent Care Network, had valuable support and input from the Commissioning Business Service (CBS).  Speakers included Mike Farrar, senior A&E doctors and experienced GPs.  The congress engaged a wide range of clinical, managerial and patient stakeholders to establish the current situation across GM and the priorities for action on urgent care across all services.  The GM Urgent Care Network will work to implement congress recommendations.

Length of publication: Webpage with link to pdf output report

Emergency services review

Source: Department of Health

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Date of publication: June 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell:  This review aims to provide support to local health communities to improve the effectiveness of emergency care and achieve national standards during times of high demand.  The review responds to dips in performance during the Winter of 2008/2009 and has three components: 1) Learning lessons: data analysis and developing practical advice for operational leaders to respond to increased demand – due Summer 2009; 2) Repackaging quality guidelines, toolkits and how-to guides into a coherent offering – due September 2009; 3) Practical support from a team of emergency care specialists to local health communities and organisations – starts June 2009

Length of publication: 2 Pages

In an emergency – call the Clinical Librarian!

Source: Emergency Medicine Journal, 2009, 26 (5) p. 321-323

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This paper reviews the role of the clinical librarian in the emergency department

Length of publication: 3 pages 

Some important notes: An NHS Athens password is required to access the full text of this article. Please contact your local NHS library for further details

A Reengineered Hospital Discharge Program to Decrease Rehospitalization

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine, 2009, 150 (3) p. 178-187

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: February 2009

Publication type: Journal article 

In a nutshell: Emergency department visits and rehospitalization are common after hospital discharge. This study tested the effects of an intervention designed to minimize hospital utilization after discharge. A nurse discharge advocate worked with patients during their hospital stay to arrange follow-up appointments, confirm medication reconciliation, and conduct patient education with an individualized instruction booklet that was sent to their primary care provider.  A clinical pharmacist called patients 2 to 4 days after discharge to reinforce the discharge plan and review medications.

Length of publication: 11 pages

Some important notes:  To access the full text of this article please contact your local NHS library.  Research funded by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Acknowledgement: National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia) Emergency Care Communities of Practice Blog

The Way Ahead 2008-12

Source: The College of Emergency Medicine

For full text link here

Year of publication: 2008

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The College of Emergency Medicine is calling on the Government to urgently address serious workforce shortages and fund additional Emergency Medicine Consultant positions in hospitals across the UK. The College recommends an increase in consultant posts by 2012 to ensure each Emergency Department has a qualified specialist to lead and supervise care, particularly in the evenings and at weekends. This policy is outlined in their vision The Way Ahead 2008-2012.

Length of publication: 62 pages

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