Waiting time was found to be highly predictive of patient satisfaction in an emergency fast-track unit with English language and NPs also associated with improved overall care rating. Future measures to improve patient satisfaction in fast-track units should focus on these factors.
Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review is to provide the theoretical and practical
knowledge essential for non-radiologists to develop the skills necessary to apply
thoracic ultrasound as an extension of clinical assessment and
intervention.Recent findingsIssues relating to training and competence are discussed and a
library of thoracic ultrasound videos is provided to illustrate artefacts,
pleural, parenchymal and pneumothorax pathology as well as important pitfalls to
consider. Novel and future diagnostic applications of thoracic ultrasound in the
setting of acute cardiorespiratory pathology including consolidation, acute
interstitial syndromes and pulmonary embolism are explored.SummaryThoracic ultrasound requires an understanding of imaging artefact
specific to lung and pleura and a working knowledge of machine knobology for image
optimisation and interpretation. Ultrasound is a valuable tool for the practicing
chest clinician providing diagnostic information for the assessment of pleural and
parenchymal disease and increased safety and cost effectiveness of thoracic
interventions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13665-017-0164-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized
users.
Infants presenting after 24 h with isolated scalp haematomas had good short-term outcomes despite a high prevalence of underlying injury on imaging. Expectant management, rather than imaging, may be a valid approach in this patient population. However, some of these injuries may have been the result of inflicted injury, and all of these patients require a robust assessment regardless of the decision to use a computed tomography scan.
BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that COVID-19 survivors are at increased risk of experiencing a wide range of cardiovascular complications post infection; however, there are no validated models or clear guidelines for remotely monitoring the cardiac health of COVID-19 survivors.ObjectiveThis study aims to test a virtual, in-home healthcare monitoring model of care for detection of clinical symptoms and impacts on COVID-19 survivors. It also aims to demonstrate system usability and feasibility.MethodsThis open label, prospective, descriptive study was conducted in South Western Sydney. Included in the study were patients admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of COVID-19 between June 2021 and November 2021. Eligible participants after consent were provided with a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation and a S-Patch EX to monitor their electrocardiogram (ECG) for a duration of 3 months. Data was transmitted in real-time to a mobile phone via Bluetooth technology and results were sent to the study team via a cloud-based platform. All the data was reviewed in a timely manner by the investigator team, for post COVID-19 related symptoms, such as reduction in oxygen saturation and arrhythmia.Outcome measureThis study was designed for feasibility in real clinical setting implementation, enabling the study team to develop and utilise a virtual, in-home healthcare monitoring model of care to detect post COVID-19 clinical symptoms and impacts on COVID-19 survivors.ResultsDuring the study period, 23 patients provided consent for participation. Out of which 19 patients commenced monitoring. Sixteen patients with 81 (73.6%) valid tests were included in the analysis and amongst them seven patients were detected by artificial intelligence to have cardiac arrhythmias but not clinically symptomatic. The patients with arrhythmias had a higher occurrence of supraventricular ectopy, and most of them took at least 2 tests before detection. Notably, patients with arrhythmia had significantly more tests than those without [t-test, t (13) = 2.29, p < 0.05].ConclusionsPreliminary observations have identified cardiac arrhythmias on prolonged cardiac monitoring in 7 out of the first 16 participants who completed their 3 months follow-up. This has allowed early escalation to their treating doctors for further investigations and early interventions.
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